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E&G

Eiszeitalter und Gegenwart Quaternary Science Journal


BadenWrttembg. Bavaria

issn 0424-7116 | DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3 Edited by the German Quaternary Association Editor-in-Chief: Holger Freund

Vienna

Austria

France
Bern

Switzerland Slovenia
Last Glacier Maximum

Italy
5

Vol. 60 No 23 2011

GlaCiatiOns anD pEriGlaCial FEaturEs in CEntral EurOpE


10
spECial issuE FOr tHE XViii inQua COnGrEss in BErn, sWitZErlanD GuEst Editors Margot Bse (DEuQua German Quaternary association) Markus Fiebig (aGaQ Working Group on the Quaternary of the alpine Foreland)

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GEOZON

E&G
Eiszeitalter und Gegenwart Quaternary Science Journal
Editor DEUQUA Deutsche Quartrvereinigung e.V. Office Stilleweg 2 D-30655 Hannover Germany Tel: +49 (0)511-643 36 13 E-Mail: info (at) deuqua.de www.deuqua.org ProduCtion Editor SAbinE HElMS, Greifswald (Germany) Geozon Science Media Postfach 3245 D-17462 Greifswald Germany Tel. +49 (0)3834-80 40 60 E-Mail: helms (at) geozon.net www.geozon.net
Aims & sCoPE The Quaternary Science Journal publishes original articles of quaternary geology, geography, palaeontology, soil science, archaeology, climatology etc.; special issues with main topics and articles of lectures of several scientific events. mAnusCriPt submission Please upload your manuscript at the online submission system at our journal site www.quaternary-science.net. Please note the instructions for authors before. FrEQuEnCy Four numbers at volume

Volume 60 / n umber 2 3 / 2 0 1 1 / D O i: 1 0 . 3 2 8 5 / e g . 6 0 . 2 - 3 / i SSn 0 4 2 4 - 7 1 1 6 / w w w. q u a te r n a r y- s c i e n c e . n e t / Fo u n d e d in 1951 Editor-in-CHiEF HOlGER FREUnD, Wilhelmshaven (Germany) iCbM Geoecology Carl-von-Ossietzky Universitt Oldenburg Schleusenstr 1 D-26382 Wilhelmshaven Germany Tel.: +49 (0)4421-94 42 00 Fax: +49 (0)4421-94 42 99 E-Mail: holger.freund (at) uni-oldenburg.de FormEr Editors-in-CHiEF PAUl WOlDSTEDT (19511966) MARTin SCHWARzbACH (19631966) ERnST SCHnHAlS (19681978) REinHOlD HUCkRiEDE (19681978) HAnS DiETRiCH lAnG (19801990) JOSEF klOSTERMAnn (19911999) WOlFGAnG SCHiRMER (2000) ERnST bRUnOTTE (20012005) EditoriAL boArd kARl-ERnST bEHRE, Wilhelmshaven (Germany) HAnS-RUDOlF bORk, kiel (Germany) ARnT bROnGER, kiel (Germany) JRGEn EHlERS, Hamburg (Germany) ETiEnnE JUViGn, lige (belgium) WiGHART VOn kOEniGSWAlD, bonn (Germany) ElSE kOlSTRUP, Uppsala (Sweden) JAn PiOTROWSki, Aarhus (Denmark) lUDWiG REiSCH, Erlangen (Germany) JEF VAnDEnbERGHE, Amsterdam (The netherlands) bERnD zOliTSCHkA, bremen (Germany) GuEst Editor MARkUS FiEbiG, Vienna (Austria) MARGOT bSE, berlin (Germany)

subsCriPtion Free for DEUQUA-Members! Prices for standing order: single number 27, Euro; double number 54, Euro; plus shipping costs. We offer discounts for libraries and bookstores. Please subscribe to the journal at the publisher Geozon Science Media. JournAL EXCHAnGE if you are interested in exchange your journal with the Quaternary Science Journal, please contact: Universittsbibliothek Halle Tauschstelle, Frau Winther August-bebel-Strae 13 D-06108 Halle (Saale) , Germany

Tel. +49 (0)345-55 22 183 E-Mail: tausch (at) bibliothek.uni-halle.de rEordEr Reorders are possible at the publishing house. See full list and special prices of available numbers on page 395. PubLisHinG HousE Geozon Science Media UG (haftungsbeschrnkt) Postfach 3245 D-17462 Greifswald Germany Tel. +49 (0)3834-80 40 80 E-Mail: info (at) geozon.net www.geozon.net

Print Printed in Germany on 100% recycled paper climate neutral produced CovEr FiGurE Markus Fiebig (AGAQ), The Alpine ice cap redrawn after Ehlers, J. & Gibbard, P. (2004)* riGHts Copyright for articles by the authors LiCEnsE Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution license 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

*Quaternary Glaciations Extent and Chronology Part i: Europe. Development in Quaternary Science 2, Elsevier (Amsterdam)

E&G
Foreword

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60/ number 23 / 2011 / 211 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.00 www.quaternary-science.net

GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

Hosting the XVIII INQUA Congress in Bern, Switzerland, is a great event and an honour for the Quaternary scientific community in Europe. Since the foundation of DEUQUA (German Quaternary Association) in 1948, close links have existed with our neighbouring countries, with members especially, but not only, from Austria and Switzerland. As the central European high mountain range, the Alps are a research object in all three countries and are thus of shared interest. For several decades, DEUQUA has also had board members from both countries who have repeatedly organised DEUQUA meetings in their respective countries. Switzerland hosted DEUQUA in Zurich in 1982 and in Bern in 2000; Austria was the host in Vienna in 1978 and 2008, and in Gmunden in 1996. Therefore we are pleased to present a volume of E&G Quaternary Science Journal for the participants of the INQUA Congress, with papers highlighting some aspects of Quaternary research in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Germany is the only country affected by both the Scandinavian and the Alpine glaciations. The long tradition in research on the Quaternary glaciations started in the second half of the 18th century. Prominent Swiss researchers promoted the idea of an Alpine glaciation in the 18th and 19th century and already developed the idea of polyglacialism. It proved much more difficult to convey the idea of a glaciation and therefore the glacial transport of boulders from Scandinavia to northern Germany and to achieve the general acceptance of this hypothesis, as a possible glaciation was not as evident as in the Alps, where the glaciers were advancing during the Little Ice Age. It was Albrecht Penck first working in Saxony, then continuing his outstanding work in the Alps and the northern Alpine foreland after he became a professor in Vienna who gave impulses in stratigraphy that are still considered today. Penck is one of the fathers of polyglacialism in the areas affected by the Scandinavian inland ice, though he did not create the terms Elster, Saale and Weichsel. But for the Alpine foreland, he introduced the terms Gnz, Mindel, Riss and Wrm for the glaciations. Although much research has refined this concept, the names are still used in the context of German, Austrian and Swiss alpine stratigraphy. For the warm phases, palynology brought insights into the changing vegetation and therefore into palaeoenvironmental conditions during interglacials and interstadials. In northern Germany, morphostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy and sedimentology were important methods for studying the formerly glaciated areas and revealed with time a more and more detailed view of Quaternary development and the related glacial processes. Those methods are still

used to reconstruct and characterize processes forming the old morainic area (cf. Winsemann et al., this volume). Geochronological studies dating minerogenic deposits also of Middle Pleistocene age will probably help in future to specify these processes over time. In general, physical and chemical dating methods have already revised the idea of the time frame of the Quaternary, and are still refining in detail our knowledge about age estimates of processes and events. Examples of dating results for the last glacial cycle and evaluations of the methods employed are given by Reuther et al. and Lthgens & Bse (this volume). The ongoing development and refinement of these methods will surely provide more and more high-resolution tools for interpreting the past, including the processes involved. Periglacial conditions widely affected the non-glaciated areas during the glacial cycles and transformed their topography to a certain extent. Periglacial relicts such as landforms and sediments are still part of our present-day landscape. Apart from the small glaciated mountain peaks of the Harz, the Bavarian Forest and the Black Forest, the non-glaciated areas experienced repeated transformation and sedimentation caused by various periglacial processes. Especially the widespread loess deposits and the palaeosoils within them became a valuable archive for climatic reconstructions (cf. Terhorst et al., this volume). The river systems and their terraces are mainly linked to repeated climatic changes during the glacial cycles. The terraces are impressive landforms in the present-day landscape; they can often be associated with the changing fluvial conditions and are also linked with loess archives. Polyglaciation was the basis of all subsequent ideas and studies about palaeoclimatic changes. Such studies are abundant and of extremely great interest for the recent discussion of global change as reconstructing the past helps us to develop and understand the models of the future. For these studies, the analysis of terrestrial archives is essential as they offer an insight into the local variety of climate embedded in the global climate fluctuations. The first part of the volume is dedicated to the northern glaciations and a loess area in Austria. Research results from the archives in the Alpine foreland are presented in the second half of the volume by the AGAQ (Arbeitsgruppe Alpenvorland-Quartr Working group on the Quaternary of the Alpine Foreland). It has been in existence for about 20 years as an informal working group mainly of DEUQUA members working on stratigraphical correlations. Margot Bse President of DEUQUA
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E&G

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60 / number 23 / 2011 / 212235 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.01 www.quaternary-science.net

GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

depositional architecture and palaeogeographic significance of middle Pleistocene glaciolacustrine ice marginal deposits in northwestern Germany: a synoptic overview
Jutta Winsemann, Christian brandes, Ulrich Polom, Christian Weber
Abstract: Ice-marginal deposits are important palaeogeographic archives, recording the glacial history of sedimentary basins. This paper focuses on the sedimentary characteristics, depositional history and palaeogeographic significance of ice-marginal deposits in the Weserbergland and Leinebergland, which were deposited into deep proglacial lakes at the terminus of the Saalian Drenthe ice sheet. The depositional architecture and deformation patterns of ice-marginal deposits will be discussed with respect to glacier termini dynamics, lake-level fluctuations and basement tectonics. During the last 10 years, a total of 27 sand and gravel pits and more than 4000 borehole logs were evaluated in order to document the regional pattern and character of Middle Pleistocene ice-marginal deposits. The field study was supported with a shear-wave seismic survey. Based on this data set, and analysis of digital elevation models with geographic information systems (GIS), we attempt to improve earlier palaeogeographic reconstructions of glacial lakes in the Weserbergland and Leinebergland and reconcile some inconsistencies presented in the current valley-fill models. We hypothesize that the formation and catastrophic drainage of deep proglacial lakes in front of the Drenthe ice sheet considerably influenced the ice-sheet stability and may have initiated the Hondsrug ice stream and rapid deglaciation. Based on our analysis, it seems unlikely that the Elsterian ice sheet reached farther south than the Saalian Drenthe ice sheet in the study area. (Faziesarchitektur und palogeographische bedeutung mittelpleistozner glazilakustriner Eisrandsysteme in nordwestdeutschland: ein synoptischer berblick) Kurzfassung: Eisrandsysteme sind bedeutende palogeographische Archive, die die Vereisungsgeschichte in marinen und kontinentalen Becken aufzeichnen. Im Fokus dieser Arbeit stehen saalezeitliche, glazilakustrine Eisrandablagerungen des Weser-und Leineberglandes, die in etwa die maximale Ausdehnung des saalezeitlichen Drenthe-Eisschildes markieren. Die Faziesarchitektur und die internen Deformationstrukturen dieser Eisrandablagerungen werden in Hinblick auf Gletscherdynamik, hochfrequente Seespiegelschwankungen und Basement-Tektonik diskutiert. In den letzen 10 Jahren haben wir im Weser- und Leinebergland 27 Kies- und Sandgruben neu bearbeitetet und mehr als 4000 Bohrungen ausgewertet, um die saalezeitliche Sedimentation im Bereich des Eisrandes und der vorgelagerten Seebecken zu rekonstruieren. Die Gelndearbeiten wurden durch Scherwellenseismik-Profile ergnzt. Basierend auf diesen Daten wurden mit Hilfe von digitalen Hhenmodellen und geographischen Informationssystemen (GIS) saalezeitliche Eisstauseen im Weser- und Leinebergland rekonstruiert. Wir vermuten, dass die Bildung und das katastrophale Auslaufen dieser tiefen Eisstausseen die Stabilitt des drenthezeitlichen Eisschildes stark beeinflusst und mglicherweise den Hondsrug Eisstrom initiiert haben. Unsere Studie zeigt darber hinaus, dass der elsterzeitliche Eisschild vermutlich nicht weiter als der drenthezeitliche Eisschild nach Sden vorgedrungen ist, als bisher angenommen wurde. glacial Lake Weser, glacial Lake Leine, subaqueous ice-contact fans, ice-marginal deltas, normal faults, Saalian glaciation, Elsterian glaciation, Hondsrug ice stream, north west Germany

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: J. Winsemann, C. Brandes, C. Weber, Leibniz Universitt Hannover, Institut fr Geologie, Callinstrasse 30, 30167 Hannover, Germany. E-Mail: winsemann@geowi.uni-hannover.de; U. Polom, Leibniz Institut fr Angewandte Geophysik (LIAG), Hannover, Germany; C. Weber, Planungsbro Umwelt und Geodaten, An der Strangriede 4A, 30167 Hannover

1 introduction In numerous places across central Europe, ice-marginal lakes formed due to the blocking of river systems by Pleistocene ice sheets (e.g., Eissmann 1997, 2002, Junge 1998). The blocking of the Upper Weser and Upper Leine Valley by the Saalian Drenthe ice sheet must have led to a disruption of the northward river drainage and the initiation of glacial lake formation. However, the existence and size of these glacial lakes has been controversial for about 100 years and various palaeogeographic reconstructions have been proposed. Reconstructions based on fine-grained lake bottom sediments in the northernmost part of the Upper Weser and Leine Valley indicate small and very shallow
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glacial lakes (e.g., Spethmann 1908, Feldmann 2002). In contrast, Thome (1983) and Klostermann (1992) argued that glacial lake Weser stood at a level of 300 m a.s.l., controlled by the altitudes of potential outlet channels and inferred water depth to be up to 250 m. More recent studies assume maximum lake levels of approximately 200 m a.s.l. for both glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine (Thome 1998, Winsemann et al. 2007b, 2009, 2011). This long-term debate probably reflects problems recognizing short-lived lakes in steeper terrains. Compared to large ice-dammed lakes with long-lived stable water levels, smaller short-lived lakes are much more difficult to map because their shoreline features are commonly less well developed and less abundant. Although shoreline features have been reported from other high-relief lake areas

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stud

y ar

ea

Fig. 1: Extent of the Pleistocene ice sheets in central Europe. E: Maximum extent of the Elsterian ice-margin. D: Maximum extent of the Saalian Drenthe ice-margin. WA: Maximum extent of the Saalian Warthe ice-margin. WE: Maximum extent of the Weichselian ice-margin. Modified after Ehlers et al. (2004). Abb. 1: Ausdehnung der Pleistoznen Eisschilde in Mitteleuropa. E: Maximale Ausdehnung des elsterzeitlichen Eisschildes. D: Maximale Ausdehnung des saalezeitlichen Drenthe Eisschildes. WA: Maximale Ausdehnung des saalezeitlichen Warthe Eisschildes. WE: Maximale Ausdehnung des weichselzeitlichen Eisschildes. Verndert nach Ehlers et al. (2004).

(e.g., Carling et al. 2002, Johnsen & Brennand 2006) they are probably rare in steep short-lived glacial lakes, characterized by rapid lake-level fluctuations. After lake drainage these sparse shoreline features may be rapidly eroded by postglacial erosion (e.g., Colman et al. 1994, LaRoque, Dubois & Leblon 2003). The study reported here focuses on the sedimentary characteristics, depositional history and palaeogeographic significance of glaciolacustrine ice-marginal deposits in the Upper Weser and Upper Leine Valley, which formed at the terminus of the Drenthe ice sheet. The objective is to provide a synthesis of the stratigraphic architecture of glaciolacustrine ice-marginal deposits. The depositional architecture and deformation patterns of these deposits will be discussed with respect to glacier termini dynamics, lakelevel fluctuations and basement tectonics. We employ digital elevation models and geographic information systems (GIS) to improve earlier palaeogeographic reconstructions of glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine and attempt to reconcile some inconsistencies present in the current valley-fill models. 2 study area and previous research The study area is located in the Weserbergland and Leinebergland area south of the North German Lowlands (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). The terrain is characterized by several mountain ridges up to 400 m high, mainly made up by

Mesozoic sedimentary rocks and broad valleys of the River Weser and the River Leine. It is still under debate if the study area was affected by both the Elsterian and Saalian Drenthe glaciations. The reconstruction of the Elsterian ice margin is difficult because the sediments became overridden by the later Saalian ice sheet (e.g., Caspers et al. 1995). The Elsterian ice-margin probably terminated north of the Teutoburger Wald Mountains (Ehlers et al. 2004). Most reconstructions assume that ice lobes of the Elsterian ice sheet advanced into the Upper Weser and Leine Valleys (e.g., Liedtke 1981, Jordan 1989, Klostermann 1992, 1995, Thome 1998, Rohde & Thiem 1998, Feldmann 2002). This assumption is mainly based on the occurrence of scattered erratic clasts beyond the Saalian ice-margin (e.g., Waldeck 1975, Jordan 1994), the occurrence of reworked erratic clasts in middle Pleistocene fluvial deposits (e.g., Rohde & Thiem 1998) and the occurrence of what appears to be Elsterian till in boreholes near Bnde, Bad Salzuflen and Vlotho (Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 2003). The maximum extent of the Saalian ice cover in northwest Germany was reached during the older Saalian Drenthe ice advance (Drenthe-Zeitz Phase; cf. Litt et al. 2007). Ice lobes of this ice sheet intruded into the Mnsterland Embayment, the Upper Weser Valley and Upper Leine Valley, damming the drainage pathways of rivers (e.g., Thome 1983, 1998, Klostermann 1992, Herget 1998, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993, 2003, Ehlers et al. 2004, Winsemann et al. 2007, 2009, Meinsen et al. in press). The second major ice advance of the Saalian glaciation (Warthian ice sheet) did not reach the study area (Fig. 1). The blocking of the River Weser and River Leine Valley by the Drenthe ice sheet led to the formation of glacial lakes. The ice-dammed lake within the Upper Weser Valley is referred to as glacial Lake Rinteln (Spethmann, 1908), glacial Lake Weserbergland (Klostermann 1992, Thome 1998) or glacial Lake Weser (Winsemann et al. 2009). Glacial Lake Rinteln refers to the northernmost part of the Upper Weser Valley, named by Spethmann (1908) after the small town of Rinteln. As the lake mainly occupied the Upper Weser Valley, the name glacial Lake Weser is the most appropriate designation and we suggest the continued use of this name. The ice-dammed lake in the Leine valley is referred to as glacial Lake Leine (e.g., Thome 1998, Winsemann et al. 2007). During the last 100 years, numerous studies have been carried out in the Upper Weser and Upper Leine Valley to reconstruct the former ice-margins and map economically important ice-marginal and fluvial deposits. Detailed geological mapping (1: 25 000) of the Upper Weser Valley and Upper Leine Valley started at the beginning of the 20th century (19001930) and continued in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. More detailed studies were based on landform and provenance analysis of Pleistocene ice-marginal deposits, resulting in various depositional models, commonly assuming a subaerial formation of ice-marginal deposits (e.g., Siegert 1912, 1921, Grupe 1926, 1930, Soergel 1921, Stach 1930, 1950, Lttig 1954, 1958, 1960, Wortmann 1968, Seraphim 1972, 1973, Rausch, 1975, 1977, Bombien 1987, Wortmann & Wortmann 1987, Kaltwang 1992, Wellmann 1998, Feldmann 2002, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 2003).
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10

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95m 130m 77m 155m

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Maximum advance of the Saalian (Drenthe) Ice Sheet Possible overspill (with altitude)

Ice advance

205m

Fig. 2: The shaded relief map of the study area shows the maximum extent of the Saalian Drenthe ice sheet in the study area and major lake overspills. The digital elevation model is based on SRTM data. Modified after Winsemann et al. (2009). Abb. 2: Digitales Hhenmodell des Untersuchungsgebietes mit der Position des maximalen Eisrandes und der Lage der wichtigen See-berlufe. Das digitale Hhenmodell basiert auf SRTM Daten. Verndert nach Winsemann et al. (2009).

Re-examination of ice-marginal depositional systems, including a detailed analysis of the sedimentary facies, depositional processes, stratigraphic architecture and internal deformation patterns by Winsemann et al. (2003), Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer (2004, 2007), Hornung, Asprion & Winsemann (2007), Winsemann et al. (2007, 2009), Brandes, Polom & Winsemann (2011), Winsemann, Brandes & Polom (2011) and Brandes et al. (2011) reveals that these depositional systems represent subaqueous fans and deltas deposited into glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine. Therefore, the principle lithologic evidence for large and deep glacial lakes in the Upper Weser Valley and Leine Valley is the occurrence of these subaqueous icemarginal deposits, which can be partly used as water-plane indicators. Boreholes logs and several clay pits record the widespread occurrence of more than 20 m of thick finegrained lake bottom sediments, overlying Middle Pleistocene fluvial deposits or bedrock. The longevity of glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine can only be roughly estimated because varve deposits of the basin centre are only poorly exposed and no undisturbed core data are available. According to Litt et al. (2007) and Busschers et al. (2008), the Saalian Drenthe ice
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advance probably occurred during MIS 6 and lasted ~5000 years (Lambeck et al. 2006). The longevity of the glacial lakes was probably very short, which has been estimated a few hundred to thousand years (Junge 1998, Winsemann et al. 2009). 3 data base and methods A total of 27 sand and gravel pits and 4440 borehole logs were evaluated in order to document the regional pattern and character of Saalian glaciolacustrine deposits of the Upper Weser and Leine Valley (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). Outcrop data are mainly available for the coarse-grained ice-marginal deposits, where sand and gravel has been excavated in numerous open pits. These outcrops were characterized from lateral and vertical measured sections across twoand three-dimensional exposures. The sections were measured at the scale of individual beds, noting grain size, bed thickness, bed contacts, bed geometry, internal sedimentary structures, and palaeocurrent directions. The spatial distribution of specific lithofacies was determined through detailed mapping of hand-drilled borings. The field study was supplemented with a georadar and shear-wave seismic

E&G / Vol. 60 / no. 23 / 2011 / 212235 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.01 / authors / Creative Commons attribution license

survey. In addition, high-resolution digital elevation models were used to analyse geomorphological features of icemarginal deposits. The maximum extent and derivative lake-level curve of glacial Lake Weser has been mainly defined by foreset-topset transitions of deltas and a sequence stratigraphic analysis of glaciolacustrine depositional systems (Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2007, Winsemann et al. 2009, Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). Although the mapping of shoreline features is an important tool for reconstructing the palaeogeography and lake-level history of Late Pleistocene glacial lakes (e.g., Teller 1995, Carling et al. 2002, Johnsen & Brennand 2006), this method does not work well with older Pleistocene lakes located in high relief areas, where shoreline features are likely to be destroyed or obscured by later periglacial processes and anthropogenic modification (e.g., LaRoque, Dubois & Leblon 2003). The DEM was combined with information from geological maps (1: 25 000, 1: 100 000), outcrops and borehole logs to document the regional pattern and character of glaciolacustrine deposits in the Upper Weser and Leine Valley. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were then used for the palaeogeographic reconstruction of glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine, superimposing water planes onto the land surface DEM. 4 Palaeogeographic reconstruction of glacial Lakes in the Weser- and Leinebergland 4.1 Glacial Lake Weser During the maximum extent of the Drenthe ice sheet, glacial Lake Weser was dammed in the Upper Weser Valley along with major tributaries. The main spillway system of glacial Lake Weser is a series of valleys in the Teutoburger Wald Mountains over an altitude range of 40205 m a.s.l. through which the proglacial lake drained south-westward (Thome 1983, 1998, Klostermann 1992, Winsemann et al. 2009 and Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). These overspill channels increase in altitude towards the east (Fig. 2) and were successively closed during ice advance (Thome 1983, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993). On the eastern lake margin, two overspill channels are recognized. One is located in the gap between the Osterwald and Ith Mountains (Fig. 2). This potential overspill channel has an altitude of approximately 135 m and was probably closed early during ice lobe advance into the Weser and Leine Valley. Another overspill channel is located farther south at an altitude of ~197 m a.s.l. This overspill channel is located east of Bodenfelde (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and is characterized by a 200500 m wide, flat-floored valley that trends roughly east-west and cuts into Mesozoic bedrocks (e.g., Thome 1998, Winsemann et al., 2007). The valley is now occupied by two underfed rivers. The Schwlme River flows to the west into the Weser River and the Harste River flows to the east into the River Leine. The principle lithologic evidence for a large and deep glacial lake in the Upper Weser Valley is the occurrence of subaqueous ice-marginal deposits, fine-grained lake bottom sediments, and ice-rafted debris far beyond the former ice margin. The stratigraphic evidence comes from both surface exposures and subsurface data. A total of 20 sand and

gravel pits and 2300 borehole logs were evaluated in order to document the regional pattern and character of Middle Pleistocene deposits of the Upper Weser Valley. Outcrop data are mainly available for the coarse-grained ice-marginal deposits, where sand and gravel has been excavated in numerous open pits (Winsemann et al. 2003, Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2004, 2007, Hornung, Asprion & Winsemann 2007, Winsemann et al. 2007, 2009 and Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). The subsurface data come from borings drilled along the river valleys and tributaries. Borehole logs and several clay pits record the widespread occurrence of up to 20 m thick fine-grained lake bottom sediments (Hauptbeckenton), overlying Middle Pleistocene fluvial deposits of the Weser River (Mittelterrasse) or bedrock (e.g., Winsemann et al. 2009). Former clay pits in the northern lake basin revealed that these lake-bottom sediments are commonly laminated and frequently contain dropstones (e.g., Rausch 1975, Kulle 1985, Wellmann 1998). These fine-grained lake-bottom sediments occur over an altitude range of 55 to 180 m a.s.l. Towards the south, the thickness of lake bottom sediments decreases (< 8 m) and relics of lake-bottom sediments are mainly preserved along the valley sides (Winsemann et al. 2009). Erratic clasts with a Scandinavian provenance occur within the entire study area (Fig. 3) and have been reported from altitudes of 114200 m a.s.l. (e.g., Kaltwang 1992, Farrenschon 1995, Rohde & Thiem 1998). These clasts frequently occur beyond the Drenthe ice-margin and therefore have been partly interpreted as relics of the Elsterian glaciation (e.g., Thiem 1988, Rohde & Thiem 1998). New interpretations assume that these clasts represent ice-rafted debris dumped by icebergs. Clasts are commonly associated with fine-grained lake-bottom sediments or overly fluvial deposits. The occurrence in clusters at altitudes of ~130 m and ~185 m may indicate stranded icebergs at former lake shores (Winsemann et al. 2009). Associated beaches or shoreline features like wave-cut benches have not been recognized. It is not clear if beaches could have formed at the steep shores or if they have been destroyed or obscured by later periglacial processes and anthropogenic modification. It is also not known if glacial rebound affected the study area and played a major role in determining the position of former shorelines relative to todays surfaces of lake marginal depositional systems. The maximum extent and derivative lake-level curve of glacial Lake Weser has been defined by foreset-topset transitions of deltas and a sequence stratigraphic analysis of glaciolacustrine depositional systems (Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). Disruption of drainage by ice advance created glacial Lake Weser at an altitude of ~ 55 m a.s.l. The lake level then rose to a highstand ~200 m a.s.l. caused by the successive closure of lake overspill channels (Fig. 4). Ice-marginal deposits of the north western lake margin (e.g., Markendorf delta and the ice-marginal deposits of the Ravensberger Kiessandzug, cf. Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 2003) became deformed and overridden by the advancing ice sheet. During the maximum lake-level highstand of ~200 m a.s.l., glacial Lake Weser was up to 150 m deep, covered an area of ~1870 km2 and approximately 120 km3 of water was stored in the lake basin. The higher topographic position of ice-marginal deposits at the
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southwestern slope of the Thster Berg Mountain southeast of Coppenbrgge (Herrmann 1958) can be explained by a higher local lake-level of ~215 a.s.l. within the Hils syncline, which was completely dammed by ice and isolated from glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine during maximum ice sheet coverage. The overall lake-level rise of glacial Lake Weser was followed by two high-amplitude lake-level falls (Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). Opening of the 135 m and 95 m lake outlets in the Teutoburger Wald Mountains (Fig. 2) during ice-lobe retreat caused independent catastrophic lake-level drops in the range of 3565 m (Fig. 4). The lake water drained into the Mnsterland Embayment with a peak discharge of probably up to 1 300 000 m3/s. During these outburst events, deep plunge pools, streamlined hills and trench-like channels were cut into Mesozoic bedrock and Pleistocene deposits (Meinsen et al. in press). Subsequently, a lake-level rise in the range of 30 m occurred, caused by a new ice-lobe advance into the Mnsterland Embayment (Hondsrug ice stream cf. van den Berg & Beets 1987, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993), leading to the renewed closure of the 95 m overspill channel in the Teutoburger Wald Mountains and the observed lake-level rise (Fig. 4). Rapid destabilization of this ice-lobe led to the final drainage of the Weser Lake. 4.2 Glacial Lake Leine During the maximum extent of the Drenthe ice sheet, an icedammed lake developed within the Upper Leine and Rhume Valley, referred to as glacial Lake Leine (Thome 1998, Winsemann et al. 2007). The main spillway system of glacial Lake Leine is the overspill channel in the gap between the Osterwald and Ith Mountains at an altitude of approximately 135 m a.s.l. and the broad, east-west trending valley east of Bodenfelde at ~197 m a.s.l. Thick accumulation of fine-grained lake-bottom sediments at the eastern valley outlet (Jordan 1984) may indicate a preferred overflow from glacial Lake Weser into glacial Lake Leine (Fig. 3), although the contour lines of the overspill channel may also point to a temporal westward-directed overflow from glacial Lake Leine into glacial Lake Weser. A third overspill channel is located on the northeastern margin of glacial Lake Leine, connecting the Leine Lake with the Nette Valley (Fig. 3). This overspill channel also has an altitude of ~200 m and more than 20 m thick accumulation of fine-grained lake-bottom sediments in front of the western channel outlet (e.g., Jordan 1993) points to mainly south westward-directed overflows from the Nette Lake into the Leine Lake. As in the Weser Valley, the principle lithologic evidence for a large and deep glacial lake in the Upper Leine Valley is the occurrence of subaqueous ice-marginal deposits and fine-grained lake bottom sediments. Some isolated erratic clasts with a Scandinavian/Baltic provenance have been described from the area near Ahlshausen south east of Bad Gandersheim and been interpreted to represent relics of an Elsterian glaciation (Jordan & Schwartau 1993). However, these clasts may also represent ice-rafted debris dumped by icebergs. A total of 7 sand and gravel pits and 2140 borehole logs were evaluated in order to document the regional pattern and character of Middle Pleistocene deposits in the
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Upper Leine Valley. Borehole logs record the widespread occurrence of up to 20 m thick fine-grained lake bottom sediments within the entire study area over an altitude range of 80190 m a.s.l. (Fig. 3). The maximum thickness of lake-bottom deposits is recorded west of Northeim and Nrten-Hardenberg, where up to 50 m of fine-grained sediments have been drilled (e.g., Jordan 1984, 1986). This area belongs to a complex pull-apart basin system that evolved during the late Cretaceous (Vollbrecht & Tanner in press) and provided the accommodation space. The age of the fine-grained lake sediments of the Upper Leine Valley is poorly constrained. They are commonly overlain by late Pleistocene fluvial or aeolian deposits and partly overlie Upper Pleistocene fluvial deposits (Mittelterrasse), pointing to a Saalian age. However, the sediments have not been absolutely dated and it is possible that thick successions of fine-grained lake bottom sediments may also comprise older Middle and Lower Pleistocene deposits (e.g., Jordan 1984, 1986, 1993). The lake-level history of glacial Lake Leine has not been reconstructed in detail. Recently a new field study supplemented with a shear-wave seismic survey was carried out to reconstruct the palaeogeographic evolution and lakelevel history of glacial Lake Leine (Wahle et al. 2010). The palaeogeographic reconstruction of the Leine Lake shown in Figure 3 is based on well data and mapped glaciolacustrine ice-marginal deposits. During highstand, glacial Lake Leine probably reached a lake-level of ~200 m a.s.l. as is indicated by the topographic position of glaciolacustrine ice-marginal deposits and fine-grained lake bottom sediments, corresponding with a lake area of ~900 km2, a water volume of up to ~36 km3 and a water depth of up to ~90 m. During deglaciation the ice probably rapidly retreated northwards, indicated by northward-stepping small beadlike sediment bodies (Lttig 1960, Jordan 1989). A new ice margin stabilized in front of the Osterwald and Hildesheimer Wald Mountains, which acted as a pinning point. 5 depositional Archtitecture of Glaciolacustrine icemarginal deposits 5.1 Glacial Lake Weser Three major subaqueous fan and delta complexes are recognized on the northern margin of glacial Lake Weser, which can be related to the ice-front position of the Drenthe ice sheet. From east to west, these are the Porta subaqueous fan and delta complex, the Emme delta, and the Coppenbrgge subaqueous fan complex (Fig. 3). 5.1.1 the Porta subaqueous fan and delta complex The Porta ice-margin deposits are located south of the Porta Westfalica pass, which has an altitude of 42 m. Deposits were well-exposed in numerous sand and gravel pits (Fig. 5) and have previously been described by several authors. Most previous workers assumed a subaerial morainal, glaciofluvial, kame or fluvial origin for the Porta ice-margin deposits (e.g., Koken 1901, Struck 1904, Spethmann 1908, Siegert 1912, Driever 1921, Naumann 1922, Grupe 1930, Stach 1930, Grupe et al. 1933, Miotke

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Fig. 3: Detail map of the study area, showing a palaeogeographic reconstruction of glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine and associated ice-marginal depositional systems, ice-rafted debris and lake-bottom sediments. Data are compiled from map sheets 1: 25 000, outcrop data and wells. Abb. 3: Detail-Karte des Untersuchungsgebietes mit der palogeographischen Rekonstruktion des Weser- und Leine-Eisstausees. Dargestellt sind die assoziierten Eisrand- Ablagerungssysteme, erratische Blcke und feinkrnige Becken-Ablagerungen. Die Daten wurden aus geologischen Karten (1: 25 000), Aufschlssen und Bohrungen kompiliert.

1971, Seraphim 1973, Deutloff et al. 1982, Rhm 1985, Groetzner 1995, Knemann 1995, Wellmann 1998, Elbracht 2002). Re-examination of outcrops by Hornung, Asprion & Winsemann (2007), Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer (2007) and Winsemann et al. (2009) reveal a subaqueous origin

for the Porta ice-margin deposits. Several sedimentary characteristics indicative of subaqueous deposition were recorded. Data critical to this re-interpretation include the recognition of jet-efflux deposits, turbidites, ice-rafted debris dumped by icebergs, and Gilbert-type delta deposits. These coarse-grained ice-marginal deposits overlie 0.320 m
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erately- to steeply-dipping distal mid-fan deposits, characterized by medium- to thick-bedded inversely graded, massive, diffusely stratified pebbly sand or normally graded sand to mud beds. This succession shows an overall finingand thinning upward trend. Fan complex III Fan complex III is exposed in several gravel pits south of the Porta Westfalica pass (Fig. 5). To determine the largerscale architecture of the northern Porta complex, shear wave seismic reflection profiles have been acquired and analyzed (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). The greatest thickness of fan deposits is recorded from a central, ~1 km wide and 5.4 km long, NWSE trending zone (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). Deposits, exposed in this central zone consist of highly scoured massive, normally graded, planar-parallel or cross-stratified gravel, interpreted to have been deposited from a friction-dominated plane-wall jet at the mouth of a subglacial meltwater tunnel (Hornung, Asprion & Winsemann 2007, Winsemann et al. 2009). Subsequent flow-splitting led to the development of smaller jets at the periphery of this bar-like deposits and the deposition of more sand-rich jet-efflux deposits characterized by largescale trough-cross stratified gravel, pebbly sand and sand (Fig. 7B and C). During the subsequent high-magnitude lake-level drops (Fig. 4), the subaqueous fan became truncated and overlain by delta deposits. Two different Gilbert-type deltas can be recognized, which were formerly exposed in the Mller 2 and Hainholz pit (Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7B). These deltas are separated by a major erosional unconformity. The first delta generation is characterized by steep and coarse-grained delta foreset beds, deposited from cohesionless debris flows and high- to low-density turbidity currents, indicating a steep high-energy setting (Fig. 7B and D). These delta deposits resembles those exposed in the Emme delta and are unconformably overlain by finer-grained delta sediments, deposited mainly from tractional flows and representing a shallower, lower-energy setting and the formation of a larger delta plain (Fig. 7E) during the subsequent lake-level rise (Fig. 4). Internal deformation pattern The deformation of the Porta deposits includes both contractional and extensional structures. The observed north-westward dipping thrusts within Fan complex I (Wellmann 1998) record glaciotectonic deformation of previously deposited ice-margin sediments, probably related to seasonal ice-margin fluctuations. A simple graben system is developed in the Mesozoic basement rocks below the central fan area (Fig. 7B). Single normal faults propagate into the overlying Pleistocene deposits, indicating a Pleistocene reactivation of Upper Triassic to Lower Jurassic deformation structures. Within the coarse-grained central fan deposits, a series of steep normal faults are recorded, which are restricted to the fan body. These are not related to the basement tectonics and therefore are interpreted as compactional or gravitational deformation features. Larger-scale delta channel-fills, previously exposed in the Mller 2 pit (Fig. 5) show high-angle (6590) gravitational synsedimentary normal faults (vertical offset 0.11.2 m), which are parallel to the channel-margins. This

Fig. 4: Reconstructed lake-level curve of glacial Lake Weser. Modified after Winsemann, Brandes & Polom (2011). The longevity of glacial Lake Weser can only be roughly estimated and has probably been a few hundred to thousand years. Abb. 4: Rekonstruktion der Seespiegelkurve des Weser-Eisstausees (verndert nach Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). Die Lebensdauer des Sees kann nur grob abgeschtzt werden und betrug vermutlich nur wenige 100 bis 1000 Jahre.

thick glaciolacustrine mud and patchy occurrences of till (Knemann 1995, Wellmann 1998, Winsemann et al. 2009). Clasts consist mainly of local material derived from the adjacent Mesozoic basement rocks and reworked fluvial gravel, previously deposited by the Weser River. Clasts with a Scandinavian and/or Baltic provenance account for 212 % (Rhm 1985, Wellmann 1998). Southward palaeoflow directions and clast composition indicate that meltwater flows were the main source of sediment (Winsemann et al. 2009). Three fan complexes can be recognized (Fig. 5), deposited on a flat lake-bottom surface and characterized by vertically and laterally stacked, moderately- to steeplydipping sediment bodies. The northernmost fan body is unconformably overlain by two generations of Gilbert-type deltas (Winsemann et al. 2009). The extent, morphology, clast composition and sedimentary facies indicate deposition into a lake at the margin of the retreating Porta ice lobe. The ice lobe retreat was probably caused by the overall lake-level rise (Fig. 4) that led to a destabilisation of the ice margin. The ice-margin eventually became re-stabilized near the Porta Westfalica pass, where a stable meltwater tunnel facilitated the construction of a large subaqueous fan and delta complex. Fan complex I The stratigraphically lowest fan (fan complex I, Fig. 5) is up to 60 m thick and consists of moderately to steeply dipping mid-fan deposits, characterized by graded-stratified sand and channelized large-scale trough cross-stratified sand and gravel. These mid-fan deposits unconformably overlie flatlying planar cross-stratified proximal fan gravel (Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2007a). The sedimentary sequence is partly deformed, displaying thrusts, dipping towards the northwest and overlain by flow till and glaciolacustrine mud (Wellmann 1998). Towards the south the fan deposits interfinger with dropstone laminites (Rausch 1975). Fan complex II Fan complex II (Fig. 5) consists of 9 m thick massive, normally graded or large-scale trough-cross stratified proximal fan gravel, unconformably overlain by 15 m thick mod218

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Fig. 5: Location of the Porta complex and the Emme delta. Modified after Winsemann et al. (2009). Abb. 5: Lage des Porta Komplexes und des Emme Deltas. Verndert nach Winsemann et al. (2009).

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Fig. 6: Hill-shaded relief model of the northern Porta complex (fan complex III), showing the location of the shear-wave seismic profile. The digital elevation model is based on data from the Landesvermessungsamt NordrheinWestfalen. Abb. 6: Digitales Hhenmodell des nrdlichen Porta Komplexes (fan complex III) mit der Lage des Scherwellen-Seismik Profils. Das digitale Hhenmodell basiert auf Daten des Landesvermessungsamts Nordrhein-Westfalen.

kind of gravitational deformation is known from many marine deep-water channel-levee systems (e.g., Clark & Pickering 1996, Moretti et al. 2003). 5.1.2 the Emme delta The Emme deposits are located south of the Kleinenbremen pass, which has an altitude of ~153 m. The radial sediment body is about 2 km long, 1.8 km wide and up to 70 m thick, overlying a concave, up to 13 steep dipping ramp surface. The sediment body has a stepped profile with two plains at ~128 m and ~155 m a.s.l. The upper portion is characterized

by a central, trumpet-shaped, up to 20 m deep valley that rapidly shallows downslope (Fig. 8). The deposits were well-exposed in several sand and gravel pits over an altitude range of 95165 m and have previously been described by several authors who assumed a subaerial kame or alluvial fan formation (Grupe 1930, Stach 1930, Attig 1965, Miotke 1971, Hesemann 1975, Merkt 1978, Rakowski 1990 & Groetzner 1995). Clasts mainly consist of poorly sorted, angular local material derived from steep Mesozoic bedrock slopes. Clasts with a Scandinavian / Baltic provenance account for approximately 10% (Rakowski 1990). More recently the Emme deposits were interpreted as a delta (Thome 1998, Jarek 1999, Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2004, Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). The data derived from outcrop analysis suggests Gilberttype delta sedimentation (Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2004, Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). High-angle bedding and coarse-grained foreset deposits indicate steep slopes with gravity driven flows. Material that bypassed the braid plain avalanched downslope as cohesionless debris flows and was deposited en-masse when the slope diminished. The finer-grained sandy material moved farther downflow where it was deposited from diluted debris flows and turbidity flows. Topset deposits in outcrop sections have mostly been eroded and are only locally preserved as channel-fills, overlying truncated delta foresets (Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). To determine the larger-scale architecture of the Emme delta complex, 3 shear wave seismic reflection profiles have been acquired and analyzed. The seismic sections show a complex pattern of 9 vertically and laterally stacked depositional units (Fig. 9). The oldest depositional units are vertically stacked, decreasing upwards in thickness and lateral extent. These depositional units are incised by an up to 150 m wide and 20 m deep incised valley and fringed
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Fig. 7: Depositional architecture and sedimentary facies of the Porta complex. A and B) Shear-wave seismic profile measured north of the gravel pits Brinkmeyer, Edler 2 and Mller 2 (for location see Fig. 6). Coarse-grained subaqueous fan deposits overlie fluvial deposits of the Weser River and lake-bottom sediments. The subaqueous fan deposits are unconformably overlain by two generations of delta deposits. C) Photograph of scoured massive gravel, erosively overlain by scoured planar and trough cross-stratified gravel and pebbly sand (proximal jet-efflux deposits of the incipient subaqueous fan, Brinkmeyer pit). Palaeoflow directions are towards the south and south west. D) Steeply (835) eastward-dipping coarse-grained delta foreset deposits of the older delta system (Hainholz pit). E) Gently (515) eastward-dipping fine-grained delta deposits, unconformably overlying the older coarse-grained Gilbert-type delta (Hainholz pit).

Abb. 7: Architektur und Sedimentfazies des Porta Komplexes. A und B) Scherwellen-Seismik Profil, das nrdlich der Gruben Brinkmeyer, Edler 2 und Mller 2 gemessen wurde (Abb. 5 und Abb. 6). Grobkrnige subaquatische Fcher-Ablagerungen berlagern fluviatile Sedimente der Weser und feinkrnige Becken-Ablagerungen. Die subaquatischen Fcher-Ablagerungen werden diskordant von zwei unterschiedlichen Delta-Systemen berlagert. C) Massive grobkrnige Kiese mit zahlreichen kolkartigen Erosionsstrukturen werden diskordant von schrggeschichteten Kiesen und gerllfhrenden Sanden berlagert (proximale jet-efflux Ablagerungen des initialen subaquatischen Fchers, Grube Brinkmeyer). Die Palostrmungsrichtungen verlaufen in sdlicher bis sdwestlicher Richtung. D) Steil (835) nach Osten einfallende grobkrnige Delta Foreset-Ablagerungen des lteren Delta-Systems (Grube Hainholz). E) Flach (515) nach Osten einfallende feinkrnige Delta-Ablagerungen, die die lteren grobkrnigen Delta-Ablagerungen diskordant berlagen (Grube Hainholz).

by younger, basin ward-stepping units. The youngest features are long-wavelength (6080 m) bedforms on the south eastern portion of the delta, which erosively overlie the delta lobe deposits and pass downslope into subhorizontal and inclined continuous, high-amplitude reflectors (unit 9). This complex stacking pattern is attributed to delta lobe switching during progradation and base-level change (Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). During the overall lake-level rise, vertically stacked delta systems formed. The decrease in thickness and lateral extent indicates a rapid upslope shift of depocenters. The facies distribution during rapid, high-magnitude lake-level fall (~65 m) was controlled by the formation of a single incised valley, which captured the sediment and focussed the sediment supply to regressive lobes in front of the incised fairway, as shown in numerical simulations by Ritchie, Gawthorpe & Hardy (2004 a). The incised valley was filled due to delta plain/glaciofluvial aggradation during decreasing rates of lake-level fall and lake-level lowstand. This matches results from flume tank experiments, carried out by Petter & Muto (2008) for systems where the alluvial gradient exceeds the shelf gradient, as conceptualized by various authors (e.g., Posamentier, Allan & James 1992, Schumm 1993, Blum & Trnqvist 2000). Attached sand-rich forced regressive aprons formed during lower magnitudes of lake-level fall in the range of 35 m. The formation of attached aprons has been attributed to low rates of lake-level fall or a rapid fall associated with high sedimentation rates, causing only minor incision
Motorway A2

(e.g., Ritchie, Gawthorpe & Hardy 2004 a, b). In the case of the Emme delta, rates of lake-level fall were high due to the opening of lake outlets. Deep valley incision occurred, but was limited to the uppermost portion of the delta, controlled by the steep slope. The incised valley was probably filled during lake-level lowstand and lake-level rise. However, the valley was never flooded during transgression and the shoreline remained basinward of the incised valley. The incised valley related to the final lake drainage is associated with long-wavelength (6090 m) bedforms at the downslope end, attributed to the formation of antidunes and standing waves as a result of a hydraulic jump. The calculated palaeoflow depth during standing wave formation was 914 m and flow velocity was 1012 m/s (Winsemann, Brandes & Polom 2011). The stepped geomorphological profile of the Emme delta is the result of vertically and laterally shifting delta lobes during lake-level fluctuations. However, it seems to be very difficult to define discrete lake-levels from geomorphology alone (e.g., Thome 1998), because it is not possible to reconstruct the complex depositional history. Internal deformation pattern In the Emme delta, two different fault systems developed, both showing synsedimentary activity (Fig. 9). The faults have planar to slightly listric geometries and show vertical offsets in the range of 2 to 15 m. They form small graben and half-graben systems, which locally show roll-over struc-

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Fig. 8: Hill-shaded relief model of the Emme delta. Cross-sections show the stepped profile of the Emme delta with two plains at ~128 m and ~155 m. Note the steep western margin of the central incised valley. The digital elevation model is based on data from the Landesvermessungsamt Nordrhein-Westfalen. Modified after Winsemann, Brandes & Polom (2011). Abb. 8: Digitales Hhenmodell des Emme Deltas. Die Schnitte zeigen den steilen westlichen Rand des zentralen Tales (incised valley III) sowie das gestufte Profil des Emme Deltas mit zwei ausgeprgten Niveaus auf einer Hhe von ~128 m und ~155 m . NN. Das digitale Hhenmodell basiert auf Daten des Landesvermessungsamts Nordrhein-Westfalen. Verndert nach Winsemann, Brandes & Polom (2011).

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Fig. 9: Depositional architecture of the Emme delta. A) Hill-shaded relief model of the Emme delta with location of measured seismic lines. B) Palaeogeographic reconstruction of the Emme delta, showing major depositional units. C C) Fence diagram of seismic lines, showing major seismic units. The early delta development is characterized by back-stepping delta lobes (unit 14), deposited during an overall lake-level rise. A catastrophic lake-level fall in the 9 range of ~65 m led to the incision of a deep NE-SW trending valley, in front of which coarse-grained delta lobes were deposited (unit 5). The deposition and upslope shift of finer-grained delta lobes indicates a decrease in flow velocity and sediment supply, probably related to a fluvial/delta plain aggradation in the incised valley (unit 6) during decreasing rates of SW lake-level fall and subsequent lake-level stillstand. A second valley incision occurred during a Well BE 7 2 lake-level fall of ~35 m. Subsequently a continuous fringe of sandy delta lobes was deposited in the lower portion of the Emme delta (unit 7). Back-filling of the incised valley (unit 8) occurred during lake-level rise (~35 m). During 120 m Well B 2 (projected) final lake drainage, a new NNW-SEE trending valley formed (incised valley III). Associated are long-wave-length bedforms and the deposition of small-sized sandy lobe and delta-plain deposits (unit 9). The upper deep part of the 9 5 2 100 m incised valley is widely unfilled; the lower, shallow part became covered by loess after delta abandonment. Modified after Winsemann, Brandes & Polom (2011). 7

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1 80 m 7 Abb. 9: Architektur des Emme Deltas. A) Digitales Hhenmodell des Emme Deltas mit der Lage der gemessenen Scherwellen-Seismik Profile. B) Palogeographische Rekonstruktion des Emme Deltas mit den Haupt-Ablagerungseinheiten. C) Zusammengesetze seismische Profile mit den wichtigen seismischen Einheiten des Emme Deltas. Die frhe Delta-Entwicklungm wird durch vertikal gestapelte, rckschreitende Delta-Loben gekennzeichnet (Einheit 14), die 60 9 whrend eines Seespiegelanstiegs abgelagert wurden. Ein katastrophaler Seespiegelabfall im Bereich von 65 m fhrte zum Einschneiden eines NE-SW verlaufenden, tiefen Tals. Vor diesem Tal (incised valley I) wurden grobkrnige 9 40 m Delta-Loben abgelagert (Einheit 5). Die nachfolgende Ablagerung von feinerkrnigen Delta-Loben zeigt eine Abnahme der Fliegeschwindigkeit und des Sedimenteintrages an, die vermutlich mit einer zunehmenden Aggradation im m Bereich des eingeschnittenen Tals zusammenhngen (Einheit 6). Diese Verlagerung der Sedimentation zeigt eine Abnahme der Fallrate bzw. einen Seespiegel-Stillstand an. Ein zweites Tal (incised valley II) entstand whrend eines 100 m die nachfolgenden Seespiegelabfalls im Bereich von 35 m. Nach diesem Seespiegelabfall wurden sandige Delta-Loben im unteren Bereich des Emme Deltas abgelagert,Well einen zusammenhngenden Saum bilden (Einheit 7). Die Rckver80 E5 fllung des Tals (Einheit 8) erfolgte whrend eines neuen Seespiegelanstiegs im Bereich von 35 m. Whrend der finalen See-Drainage bildete sich ein neues, NNW-SEE verlaufendes Tal (incised valleym III). Assoziiert sind lang-wellige m B 60 00 Bankformen, kleindimensionierte sandige Loben und Ablagerungen auf der Delta-Ebene (Einheit 9). Der obere Bereich des eingeschnittenen Tals ist weitgehend unverfllt; der untere Bereich ist2mit Lss verfllt. Verndert nach Winm 40 semann, Brandes & Polom (2011).

tures. The fill of the half-grabens has a wedge-shaped geometry, with the greatest sediment thickness close to the fault (Brandes, Polom & Winsemann 2011). The fault system in the upper portion of the Emme delta is restricted to the delta body and probably gravity induced like in many other deltas (e.g., Bilotti & Shaw 2005). In the lower portion of the delta, however, normal faults occur that originate in the underlying Jurassic basement rocks and penetrate into the delta deposits. The trend of these faults follows extensional structures created by a Late Triassic to Early Jurassic deformation phase. It is very likely that these faults were reactivated during the Pleistocene. 5.1.3 the Coppenbrgge subaqueous fan complex The Coppenbrgge fan complex is located on the northeastern margin of glacial Lake Weser and consists of 3 smallscale sediment bodies (Fig. 10), deposited on a hummocky low-angle basin slope. The deposits were exposed in various gravel pits over an altitude range of 90170 m and overlie glaciolacustrine mud and a diamicton, interpreted to represent a basal till (Deters 1999). Clasts consist mainly of resedimented fluvial material (95 %), previously deposited by the Leine River and Weser River or originated from adjacent Mesozoic bedrock (Rausch 1977, Deters 1999). Most previous field studies have assumed a subaerial end moraine, glaciofluvial kames or fluvial origin for the Coppenbrgge deposits (Grupe 1930, Naumann 1927, Naumann & Burre 1927, Lttig 1954, 1960, Rausch 1977, Deters 1999, Elbracht 2002). Re-examination of outcrops by Meyer (2003), Winsemann et al. (2003) and Winsemann, Aspion & Meyer (2004, 2007) suggests a subaqueous origin for the Coppenbrgge ice-margin deposits. Several sediment characteristics indicative of subaqueous deposition were recorded. Data critical to this re-interpretation include the recognition of subaqueous jet-

efflux deposits, turbidites, thick climbing-ripple cross-laminated units, ice-rafted debris dumped by icebergs and the occurrence of an iceberg scour. The lack of any subaerial glaciofluvial or distributary delta-plain components and the frequent occurrence of ice-rafted debris point to a subaqueous ice-contact fan setting (e.g., Lnne, 1995). The retrogradational fan bodies accumulated from an easterly and northerly direction as several small subaqueous fans, indicating small conduits with minor effluxes which more easily mix with lake water, so constraining the distance of sediment dispersal (e.g., Fyfe 1990, Powell 1990). Bedrock highs acted as pinning points for the retreating glacier. The stratigraphic record indicates a retreat of active ice, which occurred by calving. The stratigraphically lowest fan system overlies lakebottom sediments and was exposed in the Otto pit at an altitude of 84100 m. The deposits are partly overlain by a basal till and display thrusts, dipping to the east, probably indicating ice-margin fluctuations during overall retreat (Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2007). Fan II overlies a basal till and is exposed at an altitude of 144155 a.s.l. at the open-pit HBT and Heerburg. Fan III was exposed at an altitude of 143165 m at the open-pit Heerburg and pit Steinbrink (Fig. 10). On top of fan III, a prominent iceberg scour mark occurred (Fig. 11A and D), overlain by coarsening-upwards mid-fan deposits. The overall coarsening upwards of the uppermost section indicates the progradation of a new fan system (Fan IV) from the east. Individual fan bodies commonly have a coarse-grained proximal core of steeply dipping upper fan gravel, disconformably overlain by sandy outer- to mid-fan deposits. Climbing-ripple cross-laminated and large-scale cross-stratified sand may onlap coarse-grained upper fan gravel of stratigraphic lower fan bodies and in some cases overtops the older fan deposits (Fig.11). Deposits of the proximal fan

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Fig.11: Depositional architecture and sedimentary facies of the Coppenbrgge subaqueous fan. A) Coarse-grained upper fan deposits, unconformably overlain by finer-grained outer- to mid-fan deposits recording a rapid ice-margin retreat and deposition on the back-slope of the abandoned fan. Note iceberg scour on top of the abandoned fan. B) Close-up view of fine-grained lower-fan deposits with ball and pillow structures, indicating high sedimentation rates. C) Close-up view of climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand; ripples migrate upslope. D) Close-up view of the iceberg scour on top of the abandoned fan. The scour is approximately 1.5 m deep and up to 1.5 m wide. Abb. 11: Architektur und Sedimentfazies des subaquatischen Coppenbrgge Fchers. A) Grobkrnige Ablagerungen des oberen Fchers, werden diskordant von feinerkrnigen Ablagerungen des ueren und mittleren Fchers berlagert. Dies zeigt einen schnellen Eisrckzug an, der mit Ablagerungen auf dem rckseitigen Hang des verlassenen Fchers verbunden war. Am Top des Fchers ist eine Eisberg-Erosionsstruktur zu sehen. B) Nahaufnahme der feinkrnigen Ablagerungen des ueren Fchers mit Ball- und Kissenstrukturen, die hohe Sedimentationsraten anzeigen. C) Nahaufnahme der sandigen Ablagerungen mit Kletterrippeln. Die Kletterrippeln migrieren hangaufwrts. D) Nahaufnahme der Eisberg-Erosionsstruktur am Top des Fchers. Die Erosionsstruktur ist etwa 1,5 m tief und bis zu 1,5 m breit.

core are distinctly coarse grained with relatively few sand or silt beds. Beds mainly consist of cross-bedded clast-supported pebble- to cobble-sized gravel with a fine- to coarsegrained sand matrix, which may contain scattered clasts of diamicton. Beds are often highly scoured. This coarsegrained cross-bedded upper fan gravel is interpreted to represent mouth-bar clinoforms indicating rapid deposition and progradation at an ice-marginal conduit. Deposits are texturally mature and therefore mainly represent resedimented outwash material. Slope failure and renewed sediment discharge from the tunnel mouth fed gravity flows that transported sediments radially away from the margin. Deposits of the mid-fan slope consist of massive, planar-parallel stratified, or cross-stratified pebbly sand and climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand alternating with channelized massive or normally graded gravel and pebbly sand. Towards the distal mid-fan and outer-fan slope multiple stacked climbing-ripple-cross-laminated sand units or alternations of finegrained sand, silt, and mud occur, in which individual beds
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fine upwards. Scattered pebbles can frequently be observed and are mainly concentrated in mud layers. The lack of subaerial topset facies demonstrates that the retreat was probably fast and that fans did not reach the contemporary waterlevel (Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2007). Internal deformation pattern The deformation of the Coppenbrgge fan deposits includes both contractional and extensional structures. The lowermost fan is characterized by eastward dipping thrusts, recording glaciotectonic deformation of previously deposited ice-margin sediments (Winsemann, Asprion & Meyer 2004). Most commonly normal faults are developed. As in the Porta complex, normal faults are developed within the fan deposits and large-scale channel-fills show high-angle synsedimentary normal faults, which are parallel to the channel-margins and are interpreted as gravitational deformation (e.g., Clark & Pickering 1996, Moretti et al. 2003).

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5.2 Glacial Lake Leine The southernmost occurrences of Middle Pleistocene icemargin deposits are recorded from the Leine and Nette Valley near Freden, Bad Gandersheim, Seesen and Bornhausen (Fig. 3), which can be related to the ice front position of the Drenthe ice sheet (e.g., Harms 1984, Thiem 1972, Feldmann 2002). These ice-marginal deposits occur over an altitude range of approximately 140200 m a.s.l. Two subaqueous fan and delta complexes can be defined from outcrop analysis. These are the Freden subaqueous fan and delta complex and the Bornhausen delta. Deposits near Bad Gandersheim and Seesen have not been excavated in major pits and no outcrop data are available. 5.2.1 the Freden subaqueous fan and delta complex The Freden ice-margin deposits are located on the western margin of the Leine Valley and form part of a larger icemarginal complex that were formerly exposed in several pits between Freden and Imsen (Fig. 12). The deposits are up to 60 m thick and directly overlie Mesozoic basement rocks. Harms (1983, 1984) described a general decrease in grain size from north to south and mean palaeoflow directions towards southerly and easterly directions. Glaciotectonic deformation and the occurrence of flow till point to an ice-contact setting (Harms 1983, 1984, Feldmann & Groetzner 1998). The deposits have been mapped over an altitude range of approximately 140200 m a.s.l. (Harms 1983, 1984) and described by several authors. Most previous workers assumed a subaerial end moraine or kame formation (e.g., Wermbter 1891, Mller 1896, von Koenen & Mller 1900, Schwarzenbach 1950, Lttig 1954, 1960, Harms 1983, 1984, Kaltwang 1992, Latzke 1996, Feldmann & Groetzner 1998, Feldmann 2002), whereas Thome (1998) proposed a subglacial origin for the Freden

deposits. A detailed work on the diagenesis of carbonate concretions within the Freden deposits has been carried out by Elbracht (2002). Clasts consist mainly of local material derived from the adjacent Mesozoic basement rocks or resedimented fluvial material, previously deposited by the Leine River. Clasts with a Scandinavian/Baltic provenance have an average proportion of 16 % and may reach up to 25 % in flow till layers (Harms 1984, Latzke 1996). Most gravel pits have been refilled today but the large Ulrich open-pit near Freden allowed a detailed re-examination of sections (Meyer 2003, Winsemann et al. 2007, Brandes et al. 2011). Deposits formerly exposed near Imsen were described by Harms (1983, 1984). These deposits are commonly rich in gravel and associated with till layers. Palaeoflow directions are to the northeast and southeast (Fig. 12). The Freden ice-margin deposits are exposed at an altitude of 140173 m and are characterized by several vertically and laterally stacked moderately to steeply dipping sediment bodies, which differ in sedimentary facies, facies associations and the overall geometry. The oldest sediments are exposed in the eastern part of the open pit. Dip and palaeoflow directions are mainly towards northeasterly and southeasterly directions. The analysis of sedimentary facies indicates that these ice-margin deposits have been deposited by subaqueous gravity flows. The occurrence of ice-rafted debris and flow-till points to an ice-contact subaqueous fan setting (Winsemann et al. 2007). From this part of the section, large-scale deformation structures have also been reported (Feldmann & Groetzner 1998, Feldmann 2002), probably indicating an unstable ice margin, where short-term oscillations caused glaciotectonic deformation (Powell 1990, Lnne 1995, 2001). Upper fan deposits consist of steeply dipping (1620) massive gravel deposited from cohesionless debris flows. Towards the distal upper-fan zone, intercalations of diffusely, planarparallel, or planar cross-stratified pebbly sand increase, in-

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Abb. 12: Lage des Freden Fcher- und Delta-Komplexes. Verndert nach Winsemann et al. (2007).

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Fig. 13: Depositional architecture and sedimentary facies of the Freden subaqueous fan and delta complex. A) Steeply dipping delta foreset deposits, Ulrich pit. B) Close-up view of foreset beds, showing climbing-ripple cross-lamination and trough cross-stratification with normal deformation band faults, Ulrich pit. C) Climbing-ripple cross-laminated delta toeset deposits with normal deformation band faults, Ulrich pit. D) Depositional model of the Freden subaqueous fan and delta complex. Modified after Winsemann et al. (2007). Abb. 13: Architektur und Sedimentfazies des Freden Komplexes. A) Steil einfallende Delta Foreset-Ablagerungen, Grube Ulrich. B) Nahaufnahme von Foreset-Ablagerungen mit Kletterrippeln, grodimensionierter, trogfrmiger Schrgschichtung und Abschiebungen (deformation band faults), Grube Ulrich. C) Kletterrippeln in Delta Toeset-Ablagerungen mit Abschiebungen (deformation band faults), Grube Ulrich. D) Ablagerungsmodell fr den FredenKomplex. Verndert nach Winsemann et al. (2007).

dicating a change in flow regime towards more tractional deposition from sustained turbulent flows. The mid-fan deposits are characterized by moderately dipping (416) thin- to thick-bedded fine- to medium-grained massive, planar-parallel or ripple cross-laminated sand and silt beds, deposited from surge-like low-density turbidity currents. Sediments exposed at the north-western Ulrich pit are mainly sandy and consist of planar and trough crossstratified pebbly sand and climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand, with a large-scale tangential geometry with dip angles from 230 (Fig. 13A). The sedimentary succession is up to 25 m thick and palaeoflow directions are to the southeast and southwest. High- to low-angle bedding and the occurrence of migrating bedforms indicate an upper to lower delta slope environment (e.g., Clemmensen & Houmark-Nielsen 1981, Fyfe 1990, Bornhold & Prior 1990). The supply of meltwater-transported sediment to the delta slope was from steady seasonal flows. During higher energy conditions, 2-D and 3-D dunes formed, passing downslope into ripples (Fig. 13B and C). Scours filled
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with deformed strata or massive or diffusely graded sand and pebbly sand record rapid cut-and-fill processes on the lower delta slope probably associated with hydraulic jumps at a break in the slope gradient. During lower flow conditions, thick climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand beds accumulated also on higher parts of the delta slope (Winsemann et. al. 2007). The delta formation is attributed to an ice-front retreat, which became stabilized in front of the mountain ridge towards the east, corresponding with the shift in palaeoflow directions towards southerly and southwesterly directions (Fig. 12). Northwestward dipping climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand beds with palaeoflow directions towards the southeast probably have been deposited on the ice-proximal back-slope of an abandoned subaqueous fan (Fig. 13 C and D). The strong progradation of delta foresets indicates a subsequent glacier stillstand and a period of high-sediment supply. The delta-foreset deposits are incised by a slope-cutting ~25 m deep NW-SE trending U-shaped channel complex, filled with large-scale cross-stratified gravel, pebbly sand and ripple cross-laminated sand, silt and mud. This channel complex probably

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formed in response to a lake-level fall, which led to the observed entrenchment and erosion of the upper foreset and topset beds since no subaerial, glaciofluvial or distributary delta-plain components have been recognized in the exposed sections. Internal deformation pattern The deformation of the Freden deposits includes both contractional and extensional structures. The older subaqueous fan complex shows thrust faults, recording glaciotectonic deformation of previously deposited ice-margin sediments. Within the stratigraphic younger delta complex, numerous extensional normal faults occur (Fig. 13B and C), which have previously been related to dead-ice melting in the subsurface (Harms 1983, Feldmann 2002). New seismic and outcrop data however, indicate that these normal faults represent deformation band faults that are probably related to syn- or post-Saalian activity along basement faults (Brandes et al. 2011). These basement faults are associated with a NE-SW trending salt-cored anticline in the subsurface. In large parts of the Ulrich pit, the deformation band faults trend NW-SE, fitting to the general basement structure. Dead-ice melting can be ruled out because of the lacking concentric fault pattern. Another possible explanation is gravity-induced delta tectonics. Fault activity might also be related to salt movements and enhanced crestal collapse or to a reactivation of the basement faults due to ice loading during glaciation. 5.2.2 the bornhausen delta The Bornhausen ice-margin deposits are located in the Nette Valley at an altitude of 160180 m a.s.l. (Fig. 14) and form part of a larger complex of coarse-grained meltwater deposits, occurring over an altitude range of 140215 m a.s.l. on the eastern margin of the Nette Valley (Lttig 1962,

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Fig. 14: Location of the Bornhausen delta. In the borehole north-west of Mnchehof delta deposits of the River Markau have been drilled (Hinze 1976) indicating a lake level in the southern Nette Valley of at least 200 m a.s.l. Abb. 14: Lage des Bornhausen Deltas. In der Bohrung nordwestlich von Mnchehof wurden Delta-Ablagerungen der Markau erbohrt (Hinze 1976), die einen Seespiegel im sdliche Nette-Tal von mindestens 200 m . NN anzeigen.

Fig. 15: Depositional architecture of the Bornhausen delta. The lower fine-grained delta toeset and bottomset deposits dip towards the south west. The overlying foreset beds steeply dip towards the north west, indicating the progradation of a new delta lobe. Note steeply north westward-dipping normal faults. Modified after Feldmann (2002) and Winsemann et al. (2007). Abb. 15: Architektur des Bornhausen Deltas. Die unteren feinkrnigen Delta Toeset- und Bottomset-Ablagerungen fallen nach Sdwesten ein. Die berlagernden grberen Foreset-Ablagerungen fallen steil nach Nordwesten ein und zeigen die Progradation eines neuen Delta-Lobus an. Die Delta-Ablagerungen werden von steilen, nach NW einfallenden Abschiebungen durchzogen. Verndert nach Feldmann 2002 und Winsemann et al. (2007).

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Hinze 1976, Bombien 1987, Feldmann 2002). These ice-marginal deposits overlie Neogene sediments and/or Middle Pleistocene till and glaciolacustrine sand and mud (Grupe & Haack 1915, Lttig 1954, 1962, Uebersohn 1990). Palaeoflow directions indicate that meltwater flows from the north east were the main source of sediment (Bombien 1987, Feldmann 2002, Winsemann et al. 2007). Clasts consist mainly of local material derived from the adjacent Mesozoic and Palaeozoic bedrock or resedimented fluvial material, previously deposited by the Neile River (Bombien 1987). Clasts with a Scandinavian/Baltic provenance constitute ~10 % of the total (Uebersohn 1990). Several previous workers have described the outcrops, assuming a subaerial glaciofluvial formation (e.g., Grupe & Haack 1915, Lttig 1954, 1962, Thiem 1972, Hinze 1976, Heise 1996, Uebersohn 1990, Feldmann & Groetzner 1998, Elbracht 2002, Feldmann 2002). Most pits have been refilled today but the Freyberg pit north of Bornhausen (Fig. 14) allowed a re-examination and detailed logging of sections (Meyer 2003, Winsemann et al. 2007). The measured section is exposed at an altitude of 161177 m a.s.l., overlying up to 5.5 m thick glaciolacustrine mud and sand (Lttig 1962). The beds have a large-scale tangential geometry with dip angles from 1028. The lowermost section consists of 3 m thick, moderately (1014) southwest-dipping, very thin- to thick-bedded, massive, normally graded or climbing-ripple cross-laminated fineto coarse-grained sand. These deposits are disconformably overlain by 12 m thick, moderately- to steeply- (1228) northwestward-dipping, medium- to thick-bedded massive, normally or inversely graded or planar-parallel stratified pebbly sand, alternating with medium- to thick-bedded massive clast-supported gravel (Fig. 15). Massive clast-supported gravel and pebbly sand with non-erosive basis or inverse distribution grading indicate deposition from cohesionless debris flows or sandy debrisflows, respectively, controlled mainly by the sediments frictional strength, which would explain their low mobility and steep dip (Nemec et al. 1999). The intercalation of planar-parallel stratified pebbly sand indicate deposition from sustained turbulent density flows (Kneller & Branney 1995, Plink-Bjrklund & Ronnert 1999, Mulder & Alexander 2001) or thin diluted sandy debris flows, generated from cohensionless subaqueous debris flows by surface flow transformation (Sohn et al. 1997, Sohn 2000, Sohn, Choe & Jo 2002). Evidence for the occurrence of flow-transformation is given by the observation that some gravel beds pass downslope into stratified pebbly sand. The finer-grained sandy material moved further downslope where it was deposited from both sustained and surgetype turbidity currents to form massive or climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand in the lower slope area. The observed disconformity in the lower section probably represents the onset of a new delta lobe progradation (Fig. 15). The sedimentary facies, high-angle tangential bedding and the absence of flow-till or ice-rafted debris points to a delta slope environment (Postma & Cruickshank 1988, Lnne 1995, Sohn et al. 1997, Falk & Dorsey 1998). However, no subaerial, glaciofluvial or distributary delta-plain components have been recognized in the exposed section

Internal deformation pattern Within the Bornhausen deposits, numerous normal faults occur, which have offsets of several cm to dm and dip steeply north westward. The formation of these faults has been related to mass-lost in the subsurface due to salt solution or deep-rooted tectonic crestal collapse on top of the Rhden anticline (Lttig 1962, bersohn 1990, Feldmann 2002). Another possible driving mechanism for the formation of these normal faults is gravitational delta tectonics or differential compaction. 6 discussion 6.1 depositional architecture of glaciolacustrine depositional systems The ice marginal depositional systems of the Weserbergland and Leinebergland are characterized by coarse-grained deltas and subaqueous fans deposited from high-energy meltwater flows. The observed facies associations are consistent with previous descriptions of coarse-grained delta deposits (e.g., Clemmensen & Houmark-Nielsen 1981, Postma & Cruickshank 1988, Bornholt & Prior 1990, Nemec 1990, Lnne 1995, Sohn et al. 1997, Nemec et al. 1999) and glacigenic subaqueous fan deposits (e.g., Cheel & Rust 1982, Eyles & Clark 1988, Sharpe 1988, Sharpe & Cowan 1990, Lnne 1995, 2001, Plink-Bjrklund & Ronnert 1999, Russell & Arnott 2003, Bennett, Huddart & Thomas 2007, Russell, Sharpe & Bajc 2007). The sedimentary facies, morphology, and extent of ice-marginal deposits indicate deposition into proglacial lakes at the margin of a temperate lobate, grounded ice sheet (e.g., Ashley, Boothroyed & Borns 1991). The groundling line of temperate glaciers is the one where the largest volume of sediment is deposited and large quantities of glaciofluvial bedload and suspended load can be transported and deposited by jets (Powell & Domack 1995). In glaciolacustrine environments, sediment-laden meltwater is generally denser than the surrounding lake water, and will tend to produce underflows (Fig. 16 A). Deposition on grounding line subaqueous fans is therefore likely to be dominated by gravity flows, with comparatively minor inputs from high-level suspended sediment (Benn & Evans 1998). If the ice terminus remains stable for a long period of time, a grounding line fan may aggrade to lake level and form an ice-contact/ glaciofluvial delta (Powell 1990, Lnne, 1995). The position of ice marginal fans and deltas in the study area was controlled by the combination of bedrock topography and water depth. Correspondingly depositional processes and the resulting facies architecture of depositional systems are highly variable. The delta complexes reflect a relatively stable position of the ice-margin in front of mountain ridges or major basement highs (Fig. 16 B). Subaqueous fans commonly reflect more unstable icefronts of smaller ice-lobes that advanced into the lake basins and were subject to periodic calving and short-term oscillations (e.g., Fowler 1987, Fyfe 1990, Powell 1990, Powell & Domack 1995). The ice-marginal deposits of glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine mainly record the sedimentation dur-

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A
Iceberg Glacier

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The large size of the northernmost Porta fan system (fan III, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) is attributed to the position in front of the Porta Westfalica pass, where a stable meltwater tunnel facilitated the construction of a larger subaqueous fan. The dimension of jet-efflux deposits is much larger than that of previously described examples from the Laurentide Ice Sheet (e.g., Gorrell & Shaw 1991, Russell & Arnott 2003) and the frequent occurrence of tractive structures in gravelly and sandy fan deposits indicates sustained and high-energy flows associated with high discharges (Powell 1990, Lnne 1995, Cutler, Colgan & Mickelson 2002). When the retreating ice lobes stabilized in front of mountain ridges, subaqueous ice-contact fans could buildup to the lake-level and evolve into ice-contact deltas/glaciofluvial deltas as observed in the Freden subaqueous fan and delta complex (Fig. 12 and Fig. 13D). In the Weser Lake, strong lake-level falls led to a widespread truncation of subaqueous fan deposits, which partly became overlain by delta deposits (Fig. 7). 6.2 deformation structures

Gravel-rich deposits

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Fig. 16: Schematic model of glaciolacustrine ice-margin deposits. A) Depositional architecture of subaqueous ice-contact fans during ice-margin retreat. B) Depositional architecture of a glaciofluvial Gilbert-type delta. Modified after Powell (1990) and Lnne (1995). Abb. 16: Schematisches Ablagerungsmodell fr glazilakustrine EisrandSysteme. A) Schematisches Modell eines subaquatischen Eiskontaktfchers whrend eines Eisrckzugs. B) Schematisches Modell eines glazifluviatilen Gilbert-Deltas. Verndert nach Lnne (1995) and Powell & Domack (1995).

ing ice-sheet retreat. This is most likely because proglacial deposits are commonly overridden and incorporated into the base of the ice during ice advance (Ashley 1995). After a phase of maximum ice-advance, accompanied by the deposition of ice-contact subaqueous fan deposits and deformation of fan deposits, a rapid back-stepping of fan bodies towards up-slope positions occurred. Individual fan bodies commonly have a coarse-grained core of flat-lying to steeply dipping gravel, overlain by fining-upward packages of gravel, sand and mud (Fig. 16A). During ice-margin retreat, often rhythmically laminated fine-grained sediments rich in ice-rafted debris were deposited on both the ice-distal and ice-proximal slopes of the abandoned fans. Climbing-ripple cross-laminated sand may onlap coarsegrained upper fan gravel and in some cases overtop the older fan deposits (Fig. 11). Ice-margin retreat was probably caused by an overall lake level rise. Bedrock highs acted as pinning points for the retreating ice lobes and after the re-establishment of the subglacial drainage systems, ice-marginal sediment accumulated from restricted point sources, giving rise to small isolated subaqueous fans. Smaller conduits are more unstable and have smaller effluxes, which more easily mix with lake water, so constraining the distance of sediment dispersal (Fyfe 1990, Sharpe & Cowan 1990). The lack of subaerial topset facies demonstrates that the retreat was fast and fans did not reach the contemporary water-level (Lnne 1995).

The observed deformation structures within the ice-marginal deposits mainly consist of normal faults and deformation band faults. The occurrence of normal faults in icemarginal deposits is commonly related to mass-loss due to dead ice-melting (e.g., Selsing 1981, Harms 1983, Prange 1995, Juschus 2003). However, re-examination of tectonic deformation structures by Brandes, Polom & Winsemann (2011) and Brandes et al. (2011) indicate that this extensional deformation was most probably caused by other mechanisms such as gravity induced delta tectonics, crestal collapse above salt domes and a reactivation of basement faults due to ice and water loading/unloading. The strong influence of ice-loading on the regional seismicity was shown by several authors (e.g., Dehls et al. 2000, Fjeldskaar et al. 2000, Stewart, Sauber & Rose 2000) and a reactivation of normal faults caused by lake formation was documented for the Wasatch Fault in the western U.S. (Hetzel & Hampel, 2005). In our study area the lithosphere was effected by i) the growth and decay of the Drenthe ice-sheet and associated proglacial lakes and ii) local sediment loading by thick ice-marginal deposits. It is very likely that the basement coupled deformation in the study area was caused by the advance of the Drenthe ice sheet (Brandes, Polom & Winsemann 2011). The interplay of ice sheet and tectonic structures in northern Germany was previously discussed by Reicherter, Kaiser & Stackebrandt (2005) and described by Adams (1989), Liszowski (1993) and Stewart, Sauber & Rose (2000) from Canada, Poland and Scandinavia, respectively. The flexure of the lithosphere due to glacial loading created a compressive stress at the front of the ice sheet and the fore-bulge area was characterized by uplift and extension as described in the model of Stewart, Sauber & Rose (2000). The advance of the ice-sheet induced a transfer of the stressfront through the upper lithosphere and pre-existing basement faults were probably reactivated due to the varying stress conditions. The Triassic-Jurassic normal faults trend WNW-ESE parallel to the Saalian ice-margin (Fig. 9). They
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were in an ideal position for a reactivation due to the extensional stress field in the foreland of the glacier because the orientation of the glacier induced stress field matches the orientation of the palaeo-stress field. The growth of the ice-marginal deltas and subaqueous fans created a local load that might have enhanced the reactivation of normal faults in the basement. The water pressure could have reduced the friction along the faults and supported the slip process. Sirocko et al. (2002, 2008) described young halokinetic movements in northern Germany, related to salt diapirs. Salt structures in the study area are present below the Freden and Bornhausen ice-margin deposits. In this case, salt tectonics may have played an important role. Though a reactivation of pre-existing basement faults and salt structures due to loading and related effects is very likely, a neotectonic component cannot be ruled out. 6.3 influence of saalian proglacial lakes on ice sheet dynamics The formation of proglacial lakes may exert an important influence on ice sheets. Calving speed in fresh water scales linearly with water depth and exponentially with ice temperature (Warren, Greene & Glasser 1995). Progressive deepening of lakes therefore, may lead to an increased removal of ice through calving and an increase of subglacial water pressure proximal to the ice (Cutler et al. 2001, Winsborrow et al. 2010). Compared to adjacent areas of ice sheet terminating on dry land, this would have the effect of reducing the basal shear stress and an increase in ice velocity up-ice from the lake (Stokes & Clarke 2004). We assume that the formation and catastrophic drainage of deep proglacial lakes in front of the Drenthe ice sheet considerably influenced the ice-sheet stability and may have initiated the Hondsrug ice stream. The Drenthe glaciation in the study area is characterized by three different ice-advances (e.g., van den Berg & Beets 1987, KLostermann 1992, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993, 2003). The first ice advance had a southerly to slightly southeasterly direction (Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993, Ehlers et al. 2004) and blocked the northward drainage pathway of the Weser River and Leine River, leading to the incipient formation of proglacial lakes in front of the Drenthe ice-sheet. During this ice advance, the Leine Lake basin was completely blocked whereas the Weser Lake could probably still drain southwestward along the Teutoburger Wald Mountains (e.g., Klostermann 1992). The maximum ice extent in the Upper Weser and Leine Valley was reached and the lower portions of the Porta, Coppenbrgge, and Freden complex were probably deposited. From the Netherlands and northwestern Germany a second southwestward-directed ice advance is recorded (van den Berg & Beets 1987, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993, 2003, Ehlers et. al. 2004). During this ice advance, an ice lobe intruded into the Mnsterland Embayment and the valley between the Teutoburger Wald Mountains and Wiehengebirge Mountains, leading to the successive closure of lake overspill channels in the Teutoburger Wald Moun-

tains (Thome 1983, Klostermann 1992, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993, 2003). The closure of these overspill channels caused the observed long-term transgression of the Weser Lake. As a consequence the ice lobes within the northernmost Weser Valley rapidly collapsed and a new ice margin became stabilized in front of the Wesergebirge Mountains (Winsemann et. al. 2007). At the western lake margin, ice-marginal deposits (Markendorf delta, Ravensberger Kiesssandzug) became deformed and overridden (Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 2003). At the easternmost Mnsterland Embayment, a proglacial lake formed in front of the Mnsterland ice lobe (Thome 1998, Herget 1998). This lake is referred to as glacial Lake Paderborn (Thome 1998) or glacial Lake Mnsterland (Meinsen et al., in press), respectively. During highstand, the lake had a maximal lake level of ~350 m a.s.l. (Herget 1998) and probably a maximum depth of up to ~170 m (Meinsen et al. in press). The lake drained southwestwards into the Mhne and Ruhr valley through outlet channels, located at the southwestern lake margin (Thome 1983, 1998, Herget 1998). The progressive deepening of lakes in the Mnsterland Embayment and Upper Weser Valley probably led to an increased removal of ice through calving, a rapid retreat of the western ice-lobes and opening of the 135 m a.s.l. and 95m a.s.l. overspill channels in the Teutoburger Wald Mountains. During the subsequent Weser Lake outburst floods, 110 km3 of water was released into the Mnsterland Embayment and the lake level of the Weser Lake dropped by as much as 100 m (Fig. 4). These two outburst floods must have led to an increase in the ice temperature due to frictional heating and enhanced melting and rapid destabilization of the Mnsterland ice lobe (Meinsen et al. in press). Subsequently, an ice re-advance occurred, leading to the renewed closure of the 95 m a.s.l. overspill channel and a related lake-level rise of glacial Lake Weser (Fig. 4). This ice-advance is related to the Hondsrug ice stream (van den Berg & Beets 1987, Passchier et al. 2010), which is the last ice advance recorded from the Mnsterland Embayment (Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993). We speculate that the Hondsrug ice stream may have been enhanced or even triggered by the combination of glacial lake formation in the Mnsterland Embayment and outburst floods of glacial Lake Weser. The associated removal of ice may have led to a rapid draw-down of ice, triggering fast ice flow (Stokes & Clark 2004, Winsborrow et al. 2010). After the drainage of glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Mnsterland the Hondsrug ice stream advanced into the Mnsterland Embayment, probably considerably thinning the ice sheet profile in this region. The splayed, lobate pattern of the Hondsrug ice stream (van den Berg & Beets 1987, Skupin, Speetzen & Zandstra 1993) indicates that it probably terminated on dry land or discharged into very shallow water. Stokes & Clark (2004) pointed out that once achieved, the calving processes and losses might play a secondary role in the functioning of an ice stream and once rapid basal sliding is established thermomechanical feedback mechanism may sustain fast ice flow. Subsequently the thinned Drenthe ice sheet deglaciated rapidly (van den Berg & Beets 1987, Passchier et al. 2010).

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6.4 implications for the position of the Elsterian icemargin and associated proglacial lakes The position of the Elsterian ice-margin in the study area is unclear and several reconstructions of the Elsterian ice-margin have assumed a glacial advance into the Upper Weser and Upper Leine Valley (e.g., Liedtke 1981, Jordan & Schwartau 1993, Klostermann 1995, Thome 1998, Feldmann 2002, Ehlers et. al. 2004). The assumption of a farther southward reaching Elsterian ice-margin is based on 1. the occurrence of scattered erratic clasts beyond the Saalian ice-margin (e.g., Waldeck 1975, Jordan 1994) 2. the occurrence of reworked erratic clasts in Middle Pleistocene fluvial deposits (e.g., Rohde & Thiem 1998). Based on this study, it seems more likely that scattered erratic clasts beyond the Saalian ice-margin represent icerafted debris dumped from icebergs rather than being relics of reworked Elsterian deposits. Middle Pleistocene fluvial deposits with reworked erratic clasts might represent Saalian deposits that formed in response to temporal glacial lake formation and rapid lake drainage. We therefore assume that all ice-marginal sediments of the Weserbergland- and Leinebergland have been deposited into the Saalian proglacial lakes. A Saalian age of these ice-marginal deposits is also assumed in new geological maps (1: 50 000) of the LBEG. Thome (1998) proposed the existence of even larger glacial lakes in the Upper Weser and Leine Valley during the Elsterian glaciation. He argued that glacial Lake Weser stood at a level of 300 m a.s.l., controlled by the altitudes of potential outlet channels. Since there is no evidence that the Elsterian ice margin did reach farther south westward than the Saalian Drenthe ice sheet, it is not very likely that a large lake was dammed in the Upper Weser Valley because the water would have probably drained along the Teutoburger Wald Mountains. The examination of more than 2000 borehole logs in the Upper Weser Valley gave no evidence for the existence of older pre-Saalian glacial lake sediments. However, fluvial erosion might have led to a complete removal of older deposits. The existence of a larger Elsterian proglacial lake in the Upper Leine Valley is more likely because the Leine Valley has less potential lake outlets and the thick accumulation of fine-grained lake deposits may also contain older Elsterian deposits (e.g., Jordan 1984, 1986). 7 Conclusions The re-examination of Middle Pleistocene ice-marginal deposits in the Weser- and Leinebergland reveal that these deposits consists of ice-contact deltas and subaqueous fans deposited from high-energy meltwater flows into large and deep proglacial lakes. Based on the new interpretation of ice-marginal depositional systems, lake-levels of approximately 200 m a.s.l. must be considered for both glacial Lake Weser and glacial Lake Leine during the Saalian Drenthe glaciation. The geometry and sedimentary facies of subaqueous fan and delta deposits indicate deposition into proglacial lakes at the margin of the retreating ice sheet. The position of ice

marginal fans and deltas was controlled by the combination of bedrock topography and water depth. During ice-lobe retreat, bedrock highs served as pinning points whereas a flatbottom topography caused a more rapid ice wastage because the ice terminated in deeper water and the calving rate may have exceeded the ice flux, resulting in rapid retreat. Subaqueous fans formed where glaciofluvial detritus were carried to the lake via tunnels near or at the base of an ice cliff, commonly associated with an unstable ice-front. Individual fan bodies have a coarse-grained proximal core of flat-lying to steeply-dipping gravel, overlain by sandrich mid- to outer-fan deposits. During glacier retreat, finegrained sediments were deposited on the ice-distal and iceproximal slopes of the abandoned fans. During lake-level fall, the subaqueous fan systems emerged and were partly overlain by delta deposits. The formation of delta complexes reflects a relatively stable position of the ice-margin in front of mountain ridges or major basement highs that acted as pinning points. The sedimentary facies and depositional architecture of ice-marginal deltas resemble those of non-glacial Gilberttype deltas, except for the deposition of glacial debris. The observed deformation structures within the icemarginal deposits comprise both contractional and extensional features. Contractional structures are related to glaciotectonic processes. However, most commonly normal faults and deformation band faults are developed. Different driving mechanisms caused this extensional deformation including gravity induced delta tectonics, crestal collapse above salt domes and a reactivation of basement faults due to ice and water loading and unloading. In some cases, a neotectonic component cannot be ruled out. Dead-ice melting, however, did not play a major role. We hypothesise that the formation of deep proglacial lakes in the study area considerably influenced the stability of the southern Drenthe ice sheet and prevented a farther southward ice advance into the Upper Weser and Leine Valley by an increased removal of ice through calving. We speculate that the Hondsrug ice stream may have been enhanced or even triggered by the combination of glacial lake formation in the Mnsterland Embayment and outburst floods of glacial Lake Weser. The associated removal of ice may have led to a rapid draw-down of ice, triggering fast ice flow and deglaciation. Based on our valley-fill analysis, it seems unlikely that the Elsterian ice sheet reached farther south than the Saalian Drenthe ice sheet in the study area. 8 Acknowledgement Financial support by the MWK Niedersachsen (11.2-7620217-7/08) is gratefully acknowledged. We thank reviewers O. Juschus and W. Stackebrandt for helpful comments, which helped to improve the manuscript. S. Cramm, S. Grneberg, W. Rode and D. Vogel (LIAG) carried out the seismic survey and J. Meinsen and D. Steinmetz helped with artwork. Special thanks go to the Geological Survey of Lower Saxony (LBEG) for providing the borehole data and the owners of the sand and gravel pits for the permission to work on their properties. This work also benefited from the discussion with many colleagues; in particular we would like to thank
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B. Deters, J. Elbracht, the late J.-P. Grtzner, F.-J. Harms, H. Jordan, B. Rakowski, H. Rhm, P. Rohde, K. Skupin, E. Speetzen, D. Tanner and P. Wellmann for discussion and providing unpublished data. Many thanks are also due to J. Buscher for improving the English. 9 references
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GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

Chronology of Weichselian main ice marginal positions in north-eastern Germany


Christopher lthgens, Margot bse
The chronology of the Weichselian Pleniglacial in north-eastern Germany was so far mainly based on morphostratigraphy and radiocarbon ages of organic sediments underlying glacigenic deposits. Throughout the last years direct dating approaches, i.e. Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of glacioflucial deposits and surface exposure dating (SED) of erratic boulders, have been applied in a number of studies. We summarise and reassess the results of these studies following a process based interpretation model and propose a new chronology for the main ice marginal positions in north-eastern Germany. The available data give evidence for a twofold last glaciation with the Brandenburg phase representing an ice advance which occurred in late Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 to early MIS 2, and the Pomeranian phase representing an ice advance reaching its maximum extent at ~20 ka. The final stabilisation of the land surface after initial deglaciation was highly dependent on active landscape transformation during phases characterised by periglacial conditions. First numerical ages point towards the occurrence of such an activity phase at about ~15 ka. (Chronologie weichselzeitlicher Haupteisrandlagen in nord-ost-deutschland) Kurzfassung: Bisher basierte die Chronologie des Weichsel-Pleniglazials in Nord-Ost-Deutschland im Wesentlichen auf morphostratigraphischen Befunden und Radiokohlenstoffdatierungen organischer Sedimente aus dem Liegenden glazigener Ablagerungen. Im Laufe der letzen Jahre kamen im Rahmen verschiedener Studien Datierungsmethoden zum Einsatz, mit deren Hilfe es mglich war, die glazigenen Sedimente direkt zu datieren: Optisch Stimulierte Lumineszenz (OSL) von glazifluvialen Sedimenten und Oberflchen-Expositionsdatierungen (surface exposure dating, SED) von erratischen Blcken. Wir fassen die Ergebnisse dieser Studien zusammen und bewerten sie auf der Grundlage eines prozessbasierten Interpretationsschemas neu, um somit eine neue Chronologie fr die weichselzeitlichen Haupteisrandlagen in Nord-Ost-Deutschland vorstellen zu knnen. Auf der Grundlage der verfgbaren Daten lassen sich zwei Phasen whrend des letzten Glazials nachweisen, wobei die Brandenburger Phase einen Eisvorsto im spten Marinen Isotopenstadium (MIS) 3 bis frhen MIS 2 reprsentiert, whrend die Pommersche Phase einen Eisvorsto widerspiegelt, der seinen Maximalstand um ~20 ka erreichte. Hinsichtlich der endgltigen Stabilisierung der Gelndeoberflchen nach der initialen Eisfreiwerdung zeigt sich eine hohe Abhngigkeit von Phasen aktiver Transformation unter periglazialen Bedingungen. Erste Ergebnisse numerischer Datierungen deuten auf eine solche Aktivittsphase um ~15 ka hin. Weichselian glaciation, Optically Stimulated Luminescence, OSL, surface exposure dating, Pomeranian Phase, Frankfurt Phase, Brandenburg Phase, deglaciation

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: M. Bse, C. Lthgens*, Freie Universitt Berlin, Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Geographical Sciences, Physical Geography, Malteserstr. 74100, 12249 Berlin, Germany. E-Mail: m.boese@fu-berlin.de, c.luethgens@fu-berlin.de, phone: +0049 30 83870400, fax: +0049 30 83870751; *corresponding author

1 introduction North-eastern Germany is an area with a long tradition of Quaternary research and was the type area where the glacial theory was established for Northern Germany by the end of the 19th century (summarised in Lthgens & Bse 2010). In contrast to adjacent areas such as the Jutland Peninsula and parts of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the ice marginal positions of the Weichselian Glaciation especially in Brandenburg are located well to the north of the maximum extent of previous glaciations (Fig. 1) and well apart from each other (Fig. 2). Hence, this area is particularly suitable for geochronometrical studies, because the assignment of glacial landforms to a specific ice advance is mainly straightforward. However, during the past 130 years the classification of the Weichselian Pleniglacial has mainly been based on morphostratigraphical interpretations. As Terberger et al. (2004) pointed out, a reliable chronology of the Weichselian ice decay based on numerical ages is
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still lacking. Assumed ages of ice marginal positions are either pure estimates or are based on extrapolations of radiocarbon ages from covering or underlying organic sediments. However, during the last years a significant number of studies using different numerical dating techniques have been conducted in north-eastern Germany. The aim of this review is to integrate the individual results of these studies into a coherent model for the Weichselian landscape development and to discuss this model in the context of results from neighbouring countries such as Poland and Denmark. 2 morphostratigraphy Based on the conceptual model of the glacial series (sequence of typical geomorphological units formed at a stationary ice margin, Penck 1882), first syntheses of the glacial landscape in the peribaltic were provided by, for example, Keilhack (1909). Already in the early 20th century Woldstedt (1925) introduced the pattern of ice marginal

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Nort h Sea
Fig. 2 Rostock

ic alt

a Se
Rostock

Ba

S ltic

ea
Fig. 3

Szczecin

Odr a
W2

Berlin

Elbe

Berlin

W1F

W1B
Fig. 1: Maximum extents (from south to north) of the Elsterian (dark blue), Saalian (blue) and Weichselian (light blue) glaciations in Germany and neighbouring areas (data provided by Ehlers & Gibbard 2004). Figure based on a digital elevation model (DEM) derived from hole-filled seamless SRTM data (processed by Jarvis et al. 2006). (Figure modified from Lthgens 2011). Abb. 1: Maximalausdehnungen (von Sd nach Nord) des Elster-Glazials (dunkelblau), Saale-Glazials (blau) und des Weichsel-Glazials (hellblau) in Deutschland und benachbarten Gebieten (Daten bereitgestellt von Ehlers & Gibbard 2004). Abbildung basiert auf einem digitalen Hhenmodell (DHM) abgeleitet aus SRTM Daten (prozessiert von Jarvis et al. 2006). (Abbildung verndert nach Lthgens 2011). Fig. 2: North-eastern Germany and neighbouring areas of Denmark and Poland, selected cities, and major rivers. Main Weichselian ice marginal positions according to Liedtke (1981): W1B Brandenburg phase (red line), W1F Frankfurt recessional phase (dashed blue line), W2 Pomeranian phase (green line). (Figure modified from Lthgens 2011). Abb. 2. Nord-Ost-Deutschland und benachbarte Gebiete von Dnemark und Polen, ausgewhlte Stdte und Haupt-Fliegewsser. Weichselzeitliche Haupteisrandlagen nach Liedtke (1981): W1B Brandenburger Phase (rote Linie), W1F Frankfurter Rckzugs-Phase (gestrichelte blaue Linie), W2 Pommersche Phase (grne Linie). (Abbildung verndert nach Lthgens 2011).

positions (IMPs) which in general is still valid today. He assigned landforms south of the Glogw-Baruth ice marginal valley (IMV) to the penultimate glaciation and differentiated two phases for the formation of main ice marginal positions during the last glaciation. The Jtische Phase consists of the Brandenburger Phase and the Posensche Subphase. The Pommersche Phase follows to the north. This morphostratigraphical model already implied a first relative chronology with the southernmost IMP representing the oldest ice advance and a succession of younger IMPs northward towards the Baltic Sea basin (summarised in Lthgens 2011). Apart from these three main IMPs a complex pattern of intermediary systems of recessional terminal moraines has been controversially discussed within scientific discourse (summarised in Bse 1994, 2005, Lthgens & Bse 2010). Despite such conflicting interpretations on regional and local scales, the general pattern established by Woldstedt (1925) was later confirmed by Liedtke (1975) who differentiates three main IMPs (Fig. 2): the Brandenburg (W1B) IMP representing the southernmost extent of the Weichselian glaciation, the Frankfurt IMP

(W1F) and the Pomeranian IMP (W2). Although specific IMVs (Urstromtler) have frequently been assigned to these main IMPs (Glogw-Baruth IMV & Brandenburg IMP, Warszawa-Berlin IMV & Frankfurt IMP, Toru-Eberswalde IMV & Pomeranian IMP), the drainage of meltwater has been shown to be highly complex (e.g., Juschus 2001), with IMVs and meltwater channels still in use after the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) had retreated north of the Pomeranian IMP. The characteristics of the main IMPs in northeastern Germany will be summarised in the following. Brandenburg phase (W1B) and Frankfurt phase (W1F) Ice marginal features related to the Brandenburg phase and the Frankfurt phase are relatively weakly developed. Due to the rare occurrence of terminal moraines or even push-moraines, both IMPs have mainly been reconstructed along ridges of outwash plains (sandar). Additionally, Saalian push-morainic complexes are known to have been preserved in some places (Bse 2005). This implies an ice advance that adapted to the morphology inherited from the penultimate glaciation (Brose 1995, Brauer, Tempelhoff
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& Murray 2005, Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek 2010). Glaciofluvial deposits and landforms as well as dead ice topography dominate the area between the Brandenburg IMP and the Pomeranian IMP which includes the Frankfurt IMP. Although minor outwash plains and kames occur, they can hardly be assigned to specific IMPs (Bse 2005). The area is furthermore characterised by intensive glaciofluvial erosion related to the development of a complex system of interconnecting meltwater channels in between the ice marginal valleys. The ice advance to the southernmost Brandenburg IMP has traditionally been ascribed to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The term LGM was originally defined as the global maximum ice volume inferred from the marine isotope record at ~20 ka (Bard 1999), but it is also used as a term describing the maximum ice extent on regional scales. The Brandenburg IMP was supposed to represent the LGM according to both definitions. The Frankfurt IMP is considered to represent a halt in the course of the down-melting of stagnant or even dead ice related to the ice advance to the Brandenburg IMP (Lippstreu 1995, Bse 2005, Litt et al. 2007). Pomeranian phase (W2) and recessional phases The most prominent terminal moraines in north-eastern Germany were formed during the Pomeranian phase which is often assumed to represent a strong re-advance of the SIS originating from the Baltic Sea basin (e.g. Lippstreu 1995, Bse 2005). However, other authors (e.g. Kliewe & Jahnke 1972, Liedtke 2001) argue that it is more likely that the SIS ice margin remained south of the Baltic Sea basin, because there is no evidence for an interstadial between the W1B/F and the W2 phases. Ice marginal features north of the Pomeranian IMP (the most prominent ascribed to the Mecklenburg phase, forming the terminal moraines of the Rosenthal and Velgast IMPs) document the retreat of the SIS further north towards the end of the Weichselian glaciation (Bse 2005). 3 radiocarbon based chronology With the introduction of radiocarbon dating (Libby 1952), the morphostratigraphically based relative chronology was assigned with actual ages (e.g. Cepek 1965, Liedtke 1996, Kozarski 1995, Marks 2002, see Table 1). The German Stratigraphic Commision (Litt et al. 2007 and available from the lithostratigraphic lexicon Litholex http://www.bgr.bund. de/litholex which also incorporates more recent data) and Lthgens (2011) recently reviewed the available geochronometrical data (Table 1). However, this radiocarbon based chronology suffers from a number of significant drawbacks. Radiocarbon dating can only be applied to organic deposits. These are usually found in positions under- or overlying minerogenic glacigenic deposits, therefore the obtained ages only provide maximum or minimum ages for the latter. Additional problems may arise whenever the dated organic material is not found to be in situ, but has been reworked by, for example, glacial processes. The ages stated as estimates in Table 1 are mainly based on the model of ice build-up and decay developed by Kozarski (1992, 1995). Based on results from radiocarbon dating from organic deposits underlying the Weichselian glacigenic deposits, he estimated aver238

Tab. 1: 14C based chronology of the main IMPs in north-eastern Germany* Tab. 1: 14C basierte Chronologie der Haupteisrandlagen in Nord-OstDeutschland iMp Brandenburg (W1B) age** ~20 ka Bp <24 cal. ka Bp ~18.8 ka Bp Frankfurt (W1F) <23.8 cal. ka Bp <32 cal. ka Bp pomeranian (W2) ~16.2 ka Bp <17.6 cal. ka Bp Method Estimate1
14 2

Estimate3
14 4 14 5

C C

Estimate6
14 7

1 Cepek (1965), Liedtke (1981), kozarski (1995) 2 age of organic sediments underlying glacial sediments of the Brandenburg phase (Marks 2002). 3 age extrapolated from underlying 14C ages, assuming an estimated rate of ice build-up and decay kozarski (1995). 4 age of organic sediments underlying glacial sediments of the poznan (Frankfurt) phase near Konin, poland (Marks 2002). 5 age of an organic silt layer (Mudde vom segrahner Berg) underlying glacial sediments of the Frankfurt phase (Lttig 2005). 6 age extrapolated from underlying 14C ages, assuming an estimated rate of ice build-up and decay kozarski (1995). 7 age of organic sediments (Liedtke 1996, Marks 2002), origin and stratigraphical position unclear from primary sources. * summarised from Litt et al. (2007), no age uncertainties specified. ** Calibration of 14C ages according to stuiver et al. (1998) by Litt et. al. (2007).

age rates of ice build-up and decay of the SIS over time and hereby calculated ages for the different IMPs. Given these different uncertainties the validity of the radiocarbon based chronology has to be regarded as being very limited. 4 direct dating of glacigenic deposits With the advancements of numerical dating techniques two approaches to directly date glacigenic deposits are now available: Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating of glaciofluvial sediments and surface exposure dating (SED) of glacigenic boulders using cosmogenic nuclides (most commonly 10Be). OSL dating techniques rely on quartz and feldspar that store radiation damage caused by ionising radiation within their crystal lattice as a latent signal (Btter-Jensen et al. 2003) as long as the minerals are sealed from daylight. Once the minerals are exposed to daylight (e.g. during sediment transport) the OSL signal is reset to zero. The latent OSL signal accumulated during deposition can be measured in the laboratory. The intensity of the signal is a measure for the amount of energy stored within the crystal (equivalent dose) (Btter-Jensen et al. 2003; Preusser et al., 2008). Once the rate of stored energy per time is known (dose rate), it is possible to calculate the time elapsed since the crystal was last exposed to daylight. Therefore OSL enables the determination of depositional ages of sediments. However, the proglacial depositional environment is characterised by cloudy meltwater, high sedimentation rates and short transport distances. This may cause insufficient exposure of the mineral grains to daylight and

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consequently the incomplete resetting of the OSL signal prior to deposition. Different approaches are available in order to deal with this problem. Most commonly used is the analysis of equivalent dose (De) distributions using statistical minimum age models. The De is determined by comparing the natural luminescence signal with that of laboratory irradiated subsamples (aliquots). Nowadays the single aliquot regenerative (SAR) dose protocol (Murray & Wintle 2000, 2003, Wintle & Murray 2006) is most commonly used in luminescence dating laboratories worldwide. Here all measurement steps necessary for De determination are conducted using the same aliquot. By measuring several aliquots for a single OSL sample, De datasets are generated which are suitable for statistical analyses such as the aforementioned statistical age models (e.g. Galbraith et al. 1999, Bailey & Arnold 2006, Fuchs & Owen 2008, Thrasher et al. 2009). A second approach in order to deal with incompletely bleached samples is the reduction of the number of grains per measured subsample (aliquot) ideally down to the single grain level as suggested by Duller (2008). The detectable OSL signal from multigrain aliquots is always an averaged signal consisting of OSL signals emitted by individual grains. By measuring single grains, this averaging effect can be avoided and fractions of well bleached and incompletely bleached grains within heterogeneously bleached samples can be separated. If incomplete bleaching sometimes can not be overcome (e.g. if single grain measurements are not possible due to the luminescence properties of mineral grains within a sample) the obtained ages have to be regarded as maximum ages. For further details on the basic principles and latest developments in OSL dating we refer to recently published methodological review papers (Lian & Roberts 2006, Preusser et al. 2008, Wintle 2008a/b). Surface exposure dating is based on the principle that cosmogenic nuclides build up in minerals exposed to cosmic rays at a predictable rate over time. By measuring the nuclide concentration in samples taken from e.g. rock surfaces or boulders, it is possible to determine how long the sampled material has been exposed at the surface (IvyOchs & Kober 2008). Using mass spectrometric techniques, a broad variety of cosmogenic nuclides can be measured (Gosse & Phillips 2001). Most commonly used are the radionuclides 10Be, 14C, 26Al, and 36Cl. For a comprehensive review of the theoretical background and the application of cosmogenic nuclide methods we refer to Gosse & Phillips (2001). A review focussing on the dating of landforms and deposits by means of SED is available from Ivy-Ochs & Kober (2008). Within the two studies providing SED ages for north-eastern Germany to be introduced in the following, different calculation scenarios with respect to different scaling methods and/or correction factors for snow cover, vegetation cover and erosion were provided. Additionally, Rinterkecht et al. (2010) recalculated the SED ages of Heine et al. (2009) for samples from the Pomeranian phase. For reasons of comparability we will only provide uncorrected SED ages calculated according to the Lal (1991)/Stone (2000) (Lm) scaling scheme as calculated by Rinterknecht et al. (2010). On the one hand the Lm scaling scheme is assumed to be more appropriate for the age range than alternative scaling themes (Rinterknecht et al. 2010), on the

other hand, the correction factors for snow, vegetation and erosion introduce additional sources of uncertainty as they are estimates. The three ages for boulders associated with the Brandenburg phase from Heine et al. (2009) had to be recalculated accordingly for this review paper using the CRONUS-Earth online 10Be exposure age calculator version 2.2 (http://hess.ess.washington.edu/math) (Balco et al. 2008). However, it needs to be stressed that all the different calculation scenarios including the new calculations for this review yield ages which agree within error for the individual samples. It has to be pointed out that OSL and SED date different processes within the development of glacial landscapes. When OSL is applied to glaciofluvial sands of outwash plains, the process of sediment aggradation linked to meltwater discharge from an ice margin is directly dated. SED applied to erratics determines the age of the exposure and final stabilisation of the sampled boulder after the downmelting of stagnant ice, landscape transformation under periglacial conditions, and the melting of buried dead ice (secondary deglaciation sensu Everest & Bradwell 2003). This is likely to cause a significant time lag between the initial deglaciation (process intended to be dated) and the final stabilisation and exposure of boulders at the landscape surface (process actually dated). Following Lthgens & Bse (2010) and Lthgens, Bse & Preusser (2011), we therefore propose to interpret SED ages as markers for phases of landscape stabilisation with the oldest exposure ages representing minimum ages of the glacigenic formation of terminal moraines at ice marginal positions. This implies a significant time lag between the ages obtained from both dating methods (Lthgens 2011). However, Lthgens & Bse (2010) point out that the combination of both methods given that the ages are interpreted as described above may allow a more detailed reconstruction of regional deglaciation patterns. In contrast, the calculation of average ages needs to be handled with care because geochronological details and regional differences in landscape development may thereby be obscured (Lthgens & Bse 2010, Lthgens, Bse & Preusser 2011). The application of that interpretation model also offers an explanation for the phenomenon that SED based ages for specific ice marginal positions mostly yield younger ages than expected from previous chronologies (e.g. Heine et al. 2009, Houmark-Nielsen, Bjrck & Wohlfarth 2006, Rinterknecht et al. 2005, 2006a/b, 2007, 2008, 2010). As described above, radiocarbon chronologies based on ages derived from organic sediments underlying glacigenic sediments can only provide maximum ages for the latter. As a result a minimum SED age must be younger than a respective maximum radiocarbon age. 5 results of numerical dating of glacigenic deposits According to the morphostratigraphical classification outlined above, we will firstly provide the results from the area ascribed to the Brandenburg (W1B) and Frankfurt (W1F) phases and secondly those from the area ascribed to the Pomeranian (W2) and its recessional phases (in the following see Fig. 3).

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8 8

7 5 9

7 7

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Oranienburg

Bad Freienwalde
O d e rb

ru

Potsdam

W1F

4 2

3
Fl min g

Luckenwalde

4 4

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Fig. 3: Weichselian main ice marginal positions in Brandenburg, Berlin (transparent white area), and neighbouring areas according to Liedtke (1981): W1B Brandenburg phase (orange), W1F Frankfurt recessional phase (dashed blue), W2 Pomeranian phase (green). Coloured arrows indicate the general course of main ice marginal valleys: Glogw-Baruth IMV (orange), Warszawa-Berlin IMV (blue), Toru-Eberswalde IMV (green). Numbers indicate sampling locations of the studies cited in Table 2 with the background colour indicating the dating method applied (OSL yellow, SED white). SED locations represent the position of individual boulders sampled for a study, whereas OSL locations indicate sampling sites where multiple samples were taken. Map based on a digital elevation model (DEM) from SRTM data, 90 m resolution, UTM zone 33N, ETRS 1989. Abb. 3: Weichselzeitliche Haupteisrandlagen in Brandenburg, Berlin (transparent wei unterlegter Bereich) und benachbarten Gebieten nach Liedtke (1981): W1B Brandenburger Phase (orange), W1F Frankfurter Rckzugs-Phase (blau), W2 Pommersche Phase (grn). Farbige Pfeile zeigen den generellen Verlauf der Haupt-Urstromtler an: Glogw-Baruther Urstromtal (orange), Warszawa-Berliner Urstromtal (blau), Toru-Eberswalder Urstromtal (grn). Zahlen markieren die Beprobungsstandorte der in Tabelle 2 zitierten Studien. Die Hintergrundfarbe gibt Auskunft ber die angewendete Datierungsmethode (OSL gelb, SED wei). SED Markierungen entsprechen der individuellen Lage der beprobten Findlinge, OSL Markierungen dagegen entsprechen Beprobungsstandorten, an denen mehrere Proben genommen wurden. Als Kartengrundlage dient ein digitales Hhenmodell (DHM) basierend auf SRTM-Daten mit 90 m Auflsung, UTM-Zone 33N, ETRS 1989.

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5.1 brandenburg (W1b) and Frankfurt (W1F) phases For this area dating results from OSL dating of quartz as well as from SED using 10Be have been published: OSL ages obtained from glaciofluvial sediments of outwash plains ascribed to the Brandenburg phase are available for the Beelitz outwash cone (Lthgens et al. 2010, Lthgens 2011) and the Luckenwalde area (Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek 2010); SED ages for three erratic boulders from the area in between the Brandenburg and Frankfurt IMPs have been published by Heine et al. (2009). Lthgens et al. (2010) dated three samples from glaciofluvial sediments of the Beelitz outwash cone (Fig. 3) using OSL of single aliquots of coarse grained quartz. Significant scatter in the ages determined for the individual samples was observed. The authors explain this scatter in age by the occurrence of incomplete resetting of the OSL signal prior to deposition as detected from the equivalent dose distributions obtained from the OSL measurements. Within the study a single aliquot regenerative dose protocol (SAR) was applied and multigrain aliquots were used. Therefore the authors state the youngest age of 34.13.0 ka obtained from the glaciofluvial sediments as a maximum age. In order to overcome the limitations in age determination caused by the incomplete resetting of the OSL signal, Lthgens (2011) reinvestigated two of the samples from the study of Lthgens et al. (2010) using OSL of single grains of quartz. Due to the fact that only a very small proportion (~2 %) of the measured quartz grains emitted an analysable OSL signal, the ages calculated for the samples are based on a small statistical basis. Lthgens (2011) argues that because both samples were taken from the same stratigraphical unit (only few decimetres apart from each other) it seems plausible to calculate an average age of 27.74.0 ka for the two samples. This age is not significantly different from the maximum age of 34.13.0 ka derived from the single aliquot measurements of Lthgens et al. (2010). In addition to these results from glaciofluvial sediments, Lthgens et al. (2010) also dated three samples from periglacial cover sands on the Beelitz outwash cone which yielded consistent ages of ~15 ka. Near the town of Luckenwalde (Fig. 3) Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek (2010) took 10 samples for coarse grain quartz OSL dating from sandur sediments exposed within two gravel pits. Although different authors had concurrently ascribed the formation of the Luckenwalde end moraine and outwash plain to the Brandenburg phase of the Weichselian glaciation, Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek (2010) provide evidence for a pre-Weichselian formation of the landform: seven samples from the gravel pit Weinberge in the southern part of the outwash plain yielded consistent ages in the range from ~130150 ka (MIS 6). Three samples taken from glaciofluvial sediments in the northern part of the landform revealed Weichselian ages. However, due to incomplete resetting of the OSL signal Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek (2010b) only state a maximum age of 34.47.0 ka. Based on the OSL ages, results from fine gravel analyses, and mapping of deformation structures within the glaciofluvial sediments, the authors conclude that the Luckenwalde end moraine and outwash plain was initially formed during the Saalian glaciation, with the Weichselian SIS of the Brandenburg phase reaching the same position,

but only reshaping parts of it primarily due to meltwater related processes. Heine et al. (2009) sampled three boulders from the area in between the IMPs of the Brandenburg and the Frankfurt phase for SED using cosmogenic 10Be (Fig. 3). The ages range from 18.90.9 ka for the youngest sample to 21.51.1 ka for the oldest sample (ages recalculated as described above). From these ages the authors deduce that the SIS reached its maximum extent during the Weichselian glaciation at 2120 ka and started to melt back from the Brandenburg IMP at around 19 ka. They further argue that these ages indicate an age of the Frankfurt phase of about 18 ka. 5.2 Pomeranian (W2) and recessional phases For the area ascribed to the Pomeranian and its recessional phases OSL ages of glaciofluvial sediments as well as SED ages of glacigenic boulders are available (Fig. 3): Lthgens, Bse & Preusser (2011) dated glaciofluvial sediments from the Althttendorf sandur, the Klosterbrcke outwash cone and from within the Eberswalde IMV; Heine et al. (2009) dated three samples from glacigenic boulders exposed in the Pomeranian terminal moraine; Brauer, Tempelhoff & Murray (2005) dated glaciofluvial sands exposed in the gravel pit Stolzenhagen; finally, Rinterknecht et al. (2010) dated samples from five erratic boulders from the Gerswalde terminal moraine, a recessional phase of the Pomeranian. Lthgens, Bse & Preusser (2011) applied single grain quartz OSL dating on four samples from the Althttendorf sandur. This yields an average age of 20.11.6 ka for the deposition of glaciofluvial sediments on the outwash plain which is interpreted to represent the main sandur accumulation phase associated with the Pomeranian IMP. Three samples from the Klosterbrcke outwash fan near Eberswalde give an average age of 19.42.4 ka, interpreted to represent the latest accumulation of glaciofluvial sediments associated with the presence of an ice margin at the Pomeranian IMP. In addition Lthgens, Bse & Preusser (2011) dated one sample from glaciofluvial sand incorporated within a succession of glaciolacustrine silt and clay accumulated within a depression formed by the melting of dead ice buried within the sediments of the Eberswalde IMV to 14.71.0 ka. Heine et al. (2009) dated the exposure of three erratic boulders from the Pomeranian terminal moraine (Fig. 3) by SED using 10Be. The observed scatter in ages, ranging from 17.70.9 ka to 15.40.6 (recalculated by Rinterkecht et al. 2010), is interpreted to indicate delayed stabilisation of the moraine surface after deglaciation. Following the argument of Reuther, Ivy-Ochs & Heine (2006) they further conclude that melting of buried dead ice may have caused post-depositional rotation and delayed exhumation, resulting in younger exposure ages which do not reflect the initial timing of the deglaciation (Heine et al. 2009). Despite this conclusion, these authors still argue that their 10Be ages indicate a younger age of the Pomeranian moraine than previously reported for north-eastern Germany. Based on the results from OSL dating of single aliquots of quartz, Brauer, Tempelhoff & Murray (2005) ascribe the major part of the sediment succession exposed in the sand pit near Stolzenhagen (~15 km north of the terminal
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moraines of the Pomeranian IMP, Fig. 3) to the Saalian glaciation (with ages ranging from 1589 ka to 11310 ka for 10 samples). Only the uppermost sample from a sand layer exposed below a till ascribed to the Brandenburg phase of the Weichselian glaciation shows a significantly younger age of 32.51.8 ka. The authors interpret this age to represent the deposition of proglacial sediments in the course of the ice advance of the SIS to its maximum extent during the Brandenburg phase. However, they sound a note of caution concerning the interpretation of the single OSL age, because they can not rule out age overestimation caused by incomplete resetting prior to deposition based on their multigrain single aliquot SAR measurements (Brauer, Tempelhoff & Murray 2005). Rinterknecht et al. (2010) dated samples of five glacigenic boulders from the Gerswalde terminal moraine, a recessional moraine approximately 30 km north of the terminal moraines of the Pomeranian phase (Fig.3). Four of the samples were consistently dated to ~15 ka. One sample yielded a significantly lower age of 12.30.6 ka. The authors exclude this age as an outlier on a statistical basis (Chauvenet test), but do not provide a geomorphological explanation concerning possible causes for the delayed exposure of the boulder the sample was taken from. Based on the remaining four ages, which range from 14.80.8 ka to 15.80.9 ka, Rinterknecht et al. (2010) calculate an average exposure age of 15.20.5 ka which they interpret to represent the depositional age of the Gerswalde terminal moraine. They also calculated an average exposure age of 16.40.7 ka for the three boulders from the Pomeranian terminal moraine primarily dated by Heine et al. (2009). Based on these ages these authors argue that the ice advance of the Pomeranian phase occurred later than previously estimated and may be attributed to a re-advance of the SIS margin during the initial warming phase subsequent to Heinrich event 1 (H1, ~17 ka) in the North Atlantic region, but before the abrupt warming at the onset of the Blling. 6 Chronology of the main Weichselian imPs in northeastern Germany As a synthesis of the presented dating results we propose a new chronology for the main Weichselian IMPs in northeastern Germany (following the process based interpretation model for OSL and SED ages described in section 4). In the following also see Table 2 and Figure 4. An advancing ice front of the SIS passed the Stolzenhagen area at 32.51.8 ka (maximum age, Brauer, Tempelhoff & Murray 2005) and reached its maximum extent after ~34 ka (maximum age, Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek 2010, Lthgens et al. 2010), with first results from single grain quartz OSL indicating sandur accumulation associated with the Brandenburg IMP on the Beelitz outwash cone at 27.74.0 ka (Lthgens 2011). Based on the available data, it remains unclear whether the SIS reached its maximum extent in north-eastern Germany in early MIS 2 or already in late MIS 3 (Figure 4A). Results of SED (Heine et al. 2009) indicate a stabilisation of the landscape surface north of the Brandenburg IMP between 21.51.1 ka and 18.90.9 ka, providing the minimum age of deglaciation for that area (Fig. 4B). Unfortunately, no numerical ages for glacigenic
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sediments associated with the Frankfurt phase are available yet. As already pointed out by Behrmann (1949/50), the geological composition of the landforms points to older differences in elevation (occurrence of push morainic features), but the morphological forms indicate a weak disintegration of covering ice. It may therefore also be likely that the landforms associated with the Frankfurt phase represent a patchwork of landforms of different age rather than a synchronous IMP. Sandur formation associated with the Pomeranian IMP was dated to 20.11.6 ka at Althttendorf and 19.42.4 ka at Eberswalde (Klosterbrcke outwash fan) respectively (Figure 4C, Lthgens, Bse & Preusser 2011). Final stabilisation of the Pomeranian terminal moraine earliest at 17.70.9 ka can be deduced from the SED ages of erratic boulders (Heine et al. 2009, Rinterknecht et al. 2010). A period of boulder stabilisation at 15.80.9 to 14.80.4 ka in the area of the Gerswalde terminal moraine (Rinterknecht et al. 2010) provides a minimum age for deglaciation within that area and indicates further retreat of the SIS ice margin during the Gerswalde subphase (Figure 4D). This phase of boulder stabilisation is in good temporal agreement with the ages obtained for the deposition of periglacial cover sediments at ~15 ka on the Beelitz outwash cone (Lthgens et al. 2010) and on the outwash plains of the Pomeranian IMP in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Kster & Preusser 2009). It also coincides with the meltout of buried dead ice within glaciofluvial sediments of the Eberswalde IMV documented by the accumulation of glaciofluvial sediments within a developing dead ice depression near Macherslust at 14.71.0 ka (Lthgens, Bse & Preusser 2011). Based on these results, there is clear evidence for a twofold advance of the SIS in north-eastern Germany during the last glaciation (see Figure 4). The Brandenburg phase represents the maximum extent of the ice sheet sometime between 34-24 ka (LGM defined as maximum ice extent). The advance of the Pomeranian phase occurred at around ~20 ka, which coincides with the LGM defined as the occurrence of the maximum global ice volume during the Weichselian glaciation as reconstructed from the marine isotope record (e.g. Bard 1999). This is in good agreement with the findings of Johnsen, Olsen & Murray (2010) who have given evidence for an interstadial from 2520 ka in western Norway based on OSL and radiocarbon dating, dividing a formerly proposed single maximum ice advance into two stadials. Within the dynamic system of the SIS these effects were most likely not restricted to its western part, but would also have affected other sectors (Johnsen, Olsen & Murray 2010). Taking a possible MIS 3 age of the Brandenburg phase into account, it may be correlated with the advance of the Klintholm ice stream in Denmark at about 324 ka (based on OSL and calibrated radiocarbon ages of inter-till deposits) as reconstructed by HoumarkNielsen (2010). This author proposes that this Baltic ice advance took place under relatively mild interstadial conditions coinciding with Dansgaard-Oeschger events 75. It was possibly driven by effects of changes in regional glacier dynamics and external climatic forcing (primarily enhanced precipitation). Therefore the timing of this ice advance does not conflict with the occurrence of terrestrial organogenic sediments attributed to the Denekamp inter-

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Fig. 4: For details concerning the base map we refer to the caption of figure 2. A) Extent of the SIS (blue shaded area) and position of the ice front at the Brandenburg IMP sometime between 3424 ka implied by accumulation of glaciofluvial sediments on outwash plains (indicated by yellow arrows) dated by OSL (Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek 2010, Lthgens et al. 2010, Lthgens 2011). Unclear connections are indicated by question marks. B) Results from SED (Heine et al. 2009) provide a minimum age of >23 ka for the deglaciation (indicated by blue shaded patches) north of the Brandenburg IMP. However, it remains unclear how far the ice front had retreated at that time (possibly well north of the position indicated by blue question marks in the figure). C) Extent of the SIS and position of the ice front at the Pomeranian IMP at ~20 ka (based on results from OSL dating of sandur sediments, Lthgens, Bse, & Preusser 2011). Correlations of the findings from Brandenburg with western Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein, as well as with Poland in the east remain unclear (indicated by yellow question marks). D) SED ages indicate initial deglaciation north of the Pomeranian IMP at least up to the Gerswalde IMP prior to 17 ka (Heine et al. 2009, Rinterknecht et al. 2010). The exact course of the SIS ice front at that time is still unclear. Abb. 4: Fr Details hinsichtlich der Kartengrundlage verweisen wir auf die Bildunterschrift von Abbildung 2. A) Ausdehnung des SIS (blau schattierter Bereich) und Lage des Eisrandes zu einem Zeitpunkt zwischen 3424 ka, basierend auf OSL Datierungen (Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek 2010, Lthgens et al. 2010, Lthgens 2011) von Sandersedimenten. Unklare Verbindungen werden durch Fragezeichen markiert. B) Ergebnisse von Expositionsdatierungen (Heine et al. 2009) liefern ein Minimalalter fr das Niedertauen und die Eisfreiwerdung (Gebiet mit blau schattierten Flecken) nrdlich der Brandenburger Eisrandlage von >23 ka. Es bleibt jedoch unklar wie weit nrdlich das Niedertauen zu diesem Zeitpunkt fortgeschritten war (mglicherweise deutlich weiter als auf der Abbildung durch Fragezeichen markiert). C) Ausdehnung des SIS und Lage des Eisrandes an der Pommerschen Eisrandlage um ca. ~20 ka (basierend auf Ergebnissen von OSL Datierungen von Sandersedimenten, Lthgens, Bse & Preusser 2011). Die Korrelation der in Brandenburg gewonnenen Erkenntnisse mit dem westlichen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern und Schleswig-Holstein, sowie nach Osten hin mit Polen muss weiterhin als unklar angesehen werden (markiert durch gelbe Fragezeichen). D) Expositionsalter deuten auf eine Eisfreiwerdung nrdlich der Pommerschen Eisrandlage mindestens bis zur Gerswalder Eisrandlage bereits vor 17 ka (Heine et al. 2009, Rinterknecht et al. 2010). Der genaue Verlauf des Eisrandes ist jedoch derzeit noch unklar.
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243

244 dating method single aliquot quartz Osl (sar) advance of the sis towards the W1B iMp <32.51.8 <34.13.0 27.74.0 <34.47.0 21.51.1 - 18.90.91 20.11.6 19.42.4 17.70.9 15.40.62 15.80.9 14.80.42 14.71.0 sandur formation associated with the W1B iMp sandur formation associated with the W1B iMp sandur formation associated with the W1B iMp landscape stabilisation in the hinterland of the W1B iMp Main sandur formation associated with the W2 iMp Final sandur formation associated with the W2 iMp stabilisation of the pomeranian terminal moraine stabilisation of the Gerswalde terminal moraine accumulation of glaciofluvial sediments within a developing dead ice depression single aliquot quartz Osl (sar) single grain quartz Osl (sar) single aliquot quartz Osl (sar) sED using 10Be single grain quartz Osl (sar) single grain quartz Osl (sar) sED using 10Be sED using 10Be single grain quartz Osl (sar) Event dated Age (ka) reference Brauer, teMpeLhoff & Murray 2005 Lthgens et al. 2010 Lthgens 2011 Lthgens, Bse & krBetsChek 2010 heine et al. 2009 Lthgens, Bse & preusser 2011 Lthgens, Bse & preusser 2011 heine et al. 2009 rinterkneCht et al. 2010 Lthgens, Bse & preusser 2011

Tab. 2: Summary of recent dating results of Weichselian glacigenic sediments in north-eastern Germany presented in (morpho)stratigraphical order.

Tab. 2: Zusammenfassung aktueller Datierungsergebnisse weichselzeitlicher glazigener Sedimente in Nord-Ost-Deutschland geordnet nach ihrer (morpho)stratigraphischen Position.

site (index for Fig. 3)

sediment type dated

(1) stolzenhagen

Glaciofluvial sand underlying W1B till

(2) Beelitz

proglacial glaciofluvial sand (sandur)

(2) Beelitz

proglacial glaciofluvial sand (sandur)

(3) luckenwalde

proglacial glaciofluvial sand (sandur)

(4) area in between the W1B and W1F iMps

Erratic boulders

(5) althttendorf

proglacial glaciofluvial sand (sandur)

(6) Eberswalde

proglacial glaciofluvial sand (sandur)

(7) pomeranian terminal moraine

Erratic boulders

(8) Gerswalde terminal moraine

Erratic boulders

(9) Macherslust

Glaciofluvial sand

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1 ages recalculated from original data provided in heine et al. (2009) to the LaL (1991)/stone (2000) (lm) scaling scheme without corrections for snow cover, vegetation cover and erosion using the CrOnus-Earth online 10Be exposure age calculator version 2.2 (http://hess.ess.washington.edu/math) (BaLCo et al. 2008). 2 ages recalculated by rinterkneCht et al. (2010)

stadial (~30 ka (cal.), Litt et al. 2007) based on palynological findings and radiocarbon dating. However, we advise caution concerning the interpretation of the first few numerical ages available from the Brandenburg phase. Although different scenarios may seem plausible (including an MIS 3 advance), additional investigations are necessary to further clarify the age of the W1B ice advance. Marks (2010) discussed the concept of an MIS 3 ice advance for Poland based on his reinterpretation of 36Cl SED ages of Dzierzek & Zreda (2007). Inferred from results of cosmogenic dating of erratic boulders and landscape surfaces using 36Cl, Dzierzek & Zreda (2007) provide an age of 2728 ka for the initial deglaciation after the first ice advance in north-eastern Poland. However, Marks (2010) provides a maximum age of 24 ka for the Lezno phase in Poland which is usually correlated with the Brandenburg phase in Germany. This age estimate is based on a number of radiocarbon ages clustering around 25 ka (cal.) derived from peat underlying the glacigenic sediments in the area of Konin and from organic silts in the Pomeranian bay (Baltic Sea). These ages may correlate well with the interstadial proposed by Johnsen, Olsen & Murray (2010). However, they impede a direct correlation of the chronology for north-eastern Germany with that of Poland. The determination of the yet unknown chronostratigraphical position of the Frankfurt phase in Germany may help to solve this issue. Due to the time transgressive nature of morphostratigraphically defined IMPs (Marks 2002, Lthgens & Bse 2010), we refrain from any correlations with available SED data for the LGM from Lithuania and Belarus (Rinterknecht et al. 2006a, 2007, 2008). The age of the Pomeranian phase in Poland has mainly been based on the results from SED using 10Be (Rinterknecht et al. 2005, 2006a). Lthgens, Bse & Preusser (2011) provide a detailed discussion on the reassessment of these ages with respect to the process-based interpretation model described above. For this review we will therefore only focus on the SED ages obtained from the Pomeranian phase in western Poland. Excluding low outliers exposed during the Holocene, eight SED ages are available ranging from 18.01.3 ka to 10.80.8 ka with ages clustering around ~15 ka. Given their widespread dispersion in western Poland (distances of >100 km between individual boulders, cf. Marks 2010: Fig. 7) their geochronological significance for the age of the Pomeranian moraine seems questionable. However, the sample from the boulder situated closest to the Pomeranian IMP also yields the oldest age of 18.01.3 ka, which is in perfect agreement with the phase of boulder stabilisation of the Pomeranian terminal moraine in north-eastern Germany based on the SED ages of Heine et al. (2009). In addition, there is now geochronometrical evidence (Brauer, Tempelhoff & Murray 2005, Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek 2010) that the ice advance to the Brandenburg IMP only reshaped a relief initially generated by the Saalian glaciation. Lthgens, Bse & Krbetschek (2010) further suggest that transformation of the relief was mainly linked to meltwater processes, implying a fast-paced and short-lived ice advance. In contrast, the ice advance during the Pomeranian phase shaped the most prominent ice marginal features (terminal moraines and outwash plains)

in north-eastern Germany. Lthgens (2011) points out that these different characteristics in ice dynamics are additionally deducible from the different luminescence characteristics observed for glaciofluvial sediments associated with both phases. Although taken from identical depositional environments, all samples from the Brandenburg phase showed incomplete resetting of the OSL signal, whereas the majority of samples from the Pomeranian IMP did not suffer from that problem. Lthgens (2011) suggests that this may indicate a very limited reworking of the glaciofluvial sediments on the elevated outwash cones of the Brandenburg IMP, with meltwater flow quickly shifting to the incised fluvioglacial channel system. Finally, we would like to point out that first OSL ages for the deposition of periglacial cover-sediments may point toward an activity phase at ~15 ka (Beelitz outwash cone Lthgens et al. 2010, Pomeranian outwash plain Kster & Preusser 2009). This coincides with age clusters observed from SED datasets indicating increased exposure of glacigenic boulders at that time (Gerswalde subphase Rinterknecht et al. 2010, areas ascribed to the Pomeranian phase in north-eastern Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus Heine et al. 2009, Rinterknecht et al. 2005, 2006a, 2007, 2008). Lthgens, Bse & Preusser (2011) recently verified the statistical significance of that age cluster for a dataset containing all SED ages available from the Pomeranian phase. As proposed by Kster & Preusser (2009) this activity phase at ~15 ka correlates well with the formation of the Beuningen gravel bed (BGB) which serves as an important marker horizon in the late Weichselian coversand stratigraphy of Western Europe (Vandenberghe 1985, Kasse 2002). Kasse at al. (2007) provide bracketing ages of 17.21.2 ka and 15.31.0 ka for the formation of the BGB in the southern Netherlands based on results from OSL dating of quartz and propose a correlation with Heinrich event H1. However, the implied correlation of the formation of the BGB, the formation of periglacial cover-sediments, and the enhanced exposure of erratic boulders needs further investigation in order to be reliably validated. The age of 14.71.0 ka from the Macherslust section (Lthgens, Bse & Preusser 2011) may serve as a first geochronological marker for the meltout of buried dead ice in north-eastern Germany at the onset of the Meiendorf and the subsequent Blling warming period, but the question when dead ice finally melted remains to be specified. Within this review we summarised the newly available numerical ages for Weichselian glacigenic sediments from north-eastern Germany and propose a new chronology for the main Weichselian ice marginal positions. However, as already pointed out by Lthgens (2011) a range of open questions remains to be answered. Firstly, the exact timing of the Brandenburg IMP needs to be specified in order to finally give evidence for its geochronological assignment to either MIS 2 or MIS 3. Secondly, the geochronological position of the Frankfurt IMP and the question of its morphostratigraphical integrity remain to be clarified. Finally, geochronometrical data for recessional IMPs, especially north of the Pomeranian IMP, need to be obtained in order to be able to fully reconstruct the deglaciation pattern of the Weichselian SIS in north-eastern Germany from its
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maximum extent at the Brandenburg IMP to its northward retreat beyond the recent shoreline of the Baltic Sea. 7 Acknowledgements We would like to thank Robert Hebenstreit for many fruitful and inspiring discussions concerning the interpretation of cosmogenic exposure ages of erratic boulders in the context of the glacial landscape in north-eastern Germany. We would also like to thank two reviewers for their valuable comments on an earlier version of the manuscript which greatly helped to improve the outcome of this study. 8 references
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Piotrowski, J.A. & Raukas, A. (2006a): The Last Deglaciation of the Southeastern Sector of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet. Science, 311: 14491452. Rinterknecht, V.R., Marks, L., Piotrowski, J., Raisbeck, G.M., Yiou, F., Brook, E.J. & Clark, P.U. (2005): Cosmogenic 10Be ages on the Pomeranian Moraine, Poland. Boreas, 34: 186191. Rinterknecht, V.R., Marks, L., Piotrowski, J., Raisbeck, G. M., Yiou, F., Brook, E.J. & Clark, P.U. (2006b): Cosmogenic 10Be ages on the Pomeranian Moraine, Poland: Reply to comments. Boreas, 35: 605606. Rinterknecht, V.R., Pavlovskaya, I.E., Clark, P.U., Raisbeck, G. M., Yiou, F. & Brook, E.J. (2007): Timing of the last deglaciation in Belarus. Boreas, 36: 307313. Stone, J.O. (2000): Air pressure and cosmogenic isotope production. Journal of Geophysical Research, 105: 75323, 759. Stuiver, M., Reimer, P. J., Bard, E., Beck, J. W., Burr, G. S., Hughen, K. A., Kromer, B., McCormac, G., der Plicht, V. J., & Spurk, M. (1998): INTCAL98 radiocarbon age calibration 240000 cal BP (1950). Radiocarbon, 40: 10411083. Terberger, T., Klerk, P. de, Helbig, H., Kaiser, K. & Khn, P. (2004): Late Weichselian landscape development and human settlement in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (NE Germany). Eiszeitalter und Gegenwart, 54: 138175. Thrasher, I.M., Mauz, B., Chiverrell, R.C. & Lang, A. (2009): Luminescence dating of glaciofluvial deposits: A review. Earth-Science Reviews, 97: 133-146. Torell, O. (1875): Ueber das norddeutsche Diluvium. In: Beyrich, V., Rammelsberg & W., Weiss, O.: Verhandlungen der Gesellschaft Protokoll der November-Sitzung. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Geologischen Gesellschaft, 27: 958962. Vandenberghe, J. (1985): Paleoenvironment and stratigraphy during the Last Glacial in the Belgian-Dutch Border Region. Quaternary Research, 24: 2338. Wintle, A.G. (2008a): Fifty years of luminescence dating. Archaeometry, 50: 276312. Wintle, A.G. (2008b): Luminescence dating. Where it has been and where it is going. Boreas, 37: 471482. Wintle, A.G. & Murray, A.S. (2006): A review of quartz optically stimulated luminescence characteristics and their relevance in single-aliquot regeneration dating protocols. Radiation Measurements, 41: 369391. Woldstedt, P. (1925): Die groen Endmornenzge Norddeutschlands. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Geologischen Gesellschaft, 77: 172184.

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247

E&G

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60 / number 23 / 2011 / 248269 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.03 www.quaternary-science.net

GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

deglaciation of a large piedmont lobe glacier in comparison with a small mountain glacier new insight from surface exposure dating. two studies from sE Germany
Anne U. Reuther, Markus Fiebig, Susan ivy-Ochs, Peter W. kubik, Jrgen M. Reitner, Hermann Jerz, klaus Heine
Abstract:
10

Be surface exposure ages of moraine boulders deposited during the maximum Wrmian ice extent and the deglaciation period in two different glacial environments show different age distributions despite similar climatic boundary conditions. A consistent and precise late Wrmian chronostratigraphy was derived from deposits of a small valley glacier in the Bavarian Forest. Exposure ages from terminal moraines of the Isar-Loisach and the Inn glacier in the Eastern Alps indicate a moraine deposition well before 18.01.9 ka and moraine stabilization throughout the late glacial. Both glacial systems reached their maximum Wrmian ice extent during the late Wrmian. Despite this broad synchronicity, the response time to climatic fluctuations of the valley glacier in comparison to that of the piedmont glacier system is different, with the valley glacier being more sensitive to climatic signals. Synchronicity of the late glacial readvance in the Bavarian Forest and the Eastern Alps was reached during 1615 ka (Gschnitz advance), when only valley glaciers existed in both regions. The age distributions determined for either of these glacial environments originate likely in glacier ice dynamics and geomorphic processes affecting moraine stabilization acting differently in each setting. Our data gives insight into landscape stability and moraine degradation in different glacial environments and has implications for sampling strategies and data interpretation for glacial exposure ages. (deglaziation eines groen vorlandgletschers im vergleich mit einem kleinen Gebirgsgletscher neue Erkenntnisse aufgrund von oberflchenexpositionsaltern. Zwei studien aus sdost-deutschland)

Kurzfassung:

10 Be-Oberflchenaltersdatierungen von Mornenblcken der Wrm-Maximalvergletscherung und der Deglaziationzeit ergaben in zwei verschiedenen Regionen Sddeutschlands unterschiedliche Altersverteilungen trotz gleicher klimatischer Randbedingungen. Im Bayerischen Wald zeigen die Mornenalter eines kleinen Talgletschers eine przise und konsistente sptwrmzeitliche Chronostratigraphie. Oberflchenexpositionsalter von Mornen des Isar-Loisach und Inngletschers in den Ostalpen weisen auf eine hochwrmzeitliche Mornenablagerung deutlich vor 18.01.9 ka und einer anschliessenden Mornenstabilisierung hin. Beide glaziale Systeme (Mittelgebirgs-Talgletscher und alpines Eisstromnetz) erreichten ihre maximale Ausdehnung im Sptwrm (MIS 2). Trotz der weitgehenden bereinstimmung war ihre Reaktionszeit auf Klimafluktuationen sehr unterschiedlich: der kleine Talgletscher reagierte empfindlicher auf klimatische nderungen als das alpine Eisstromnetz. Ein synchrones Verhalten zeigten die Gletscher im Bayerischen Wald sowie in den Ostalpen erst im Sptglazial um 1615 ka (H 1), als in beiden Gebieten Talgletscher existierten. Die unterschiedlichen Altersverteilungen der sptwrmzeitlichen Chronologien in den beiden Wrmgletscher-Endmornengebieten werden mit Unterschieden der Eisdynamik und der geomorphologischen Prozesse bei der Mornenstabilisierung sowie mit Phasen intensiver Hangprozesse infolge periglazialer Aktivitt und ToteisTauens erklrt. Die Ergebnisse sind fr Probennahmestrategien und Dateninterpretation von Mornen-Oberflchenaltern von groer Bedeutung.

Keywords:

Bavarian Forest, Eastern Alps, Inn glacier, Isar-Loisach glacier, Wrm type section, cosmogenic dating, moraine degradation, dead ice

Addresses of authors: A. U. Reuther, Department of Physical Geography, University of Regensburg, Germany. presently at: Cooperative Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. E-Mail: anne.u.gold@colorado.edu; M. Fiebig, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria. E-Mail: markus.fiebig@boku.ac.at; S. Ivy-Ochs, Department of Geography, University of Zurich, and Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zuerich, Zurich, Switzerland. E-Mail: ivy@phys.ethz.ch; P. W. Kubik, Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zuerich, Zurich, Switzerland. E-Mail: kubik@ phys.ethz.ch; J. M. Reitner, Geological Survey of Austria, Vienna, Austria. E-Mail: juergen.reitner@geologie.ac.at; H. Jerz, University of Augsburg, Germany. presently: Eichleite 7, 82031 Grnwald, Germany. E-Mail: hjerz@yahoo.de; K. Heine, Department of Geography, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany. E-Mail: klaus.heine@geographie.uni-regensburg.de

1 introduction Glacial landscapes are one of the classical study areas for surface exposure dating with terrestrial in-situ produced cosmogenic nuclides (TCND) (Phillips et al. 1990; Gosse et al. 1995a, b; Cockburn & Summerfield 2004). The method is frequently applied to constrain glacial chronologies based on exposure ages of moraine boulders (Reuther et al. 2006). However, the age distributions that are determined in moraine dating studies do not always reflect the landform age (Reuther et al. 2006, Heine, 2011). The
248

scatter that is found in these datasets is often greater than statistically expected from the associated errors and frequently biased or polymodal age distributions are determined (Putkonen & Swanson 2003). This scatter is likely explained by geomorphological processes such as for example multiple glacial advances or post-depositional degradation of moraines (Zreda et al. 1994; Briner et al. 2005; Zech et al. 2005; Putkonen & ONeal 2006). In glacial environments the assumptions underlying the TCND technique are often not valid because (1) moraines that contain dead ice or that are exposed to intensive periglacial slope

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8E

14E

N
54N 54N

Berlin
o

a r z

Cologne
O

Ice extent for the Wuermian maximum Study area

Ba
Regensburg
O

va

ria

nF

ore

st

Fore

Fig. 1: Shaded relief of Germany showing the late Weichselian/Wrmian ice extent and the periglacial corridor between the two ice masses. Study areas are marked with red boxes. Abb. 1: Reliefdarstellung der sptWeichsel/Wrm-zeitlichen Eisausdehnung in Deutschland und des periglazialen Korridors zwischen den beiden Eismassen. Die Untersuchungsgebiete sind jeweils mit einem roten Kasten markiert.

Black

st

Munich
O

48N ca.100km
Source: mr-Kartographie, modified

48N

8E

14E

processes are unstable landforms at the timescales of 10 to 103 years and (2) moraine boulders do sometimes carry inherited nuclide abundance. In these cases non-Gaussian exposure age distributions are determined from moraine boulders. Furthermore, the glacier type (e.g. valley glaciation or continental ice sheets; warm-based or cold-based) and the climatic boundary conditions (arid or humid; tropical or arctic) influence moraine stability or degradation and thus the exposure age distributions from moraine boulders (Evans 2004). Models of moraine degradation or boulder exhumation have been published that help understanding and quantifying the principles of surface processes (Zreda et al. 1994; Hallet & Putkonen 1994; Zreda & Phillips 1995; Putkonen & Swanson 2003). However, the depositional environment of each moraine boulder and the climatic boundary conditions that affected the moraine during and after deposition have not yet been incorporated in the mod-

els but need to be considered in the data interpretation. In any glacial environment, exposure ages from boulders on moraines will yield the time of landform stabilization; the probability of inherited nuclide concentration is only a few percent (Putkonen & Swanson 2003). A valley glacier with negligible debris cover often leaves behind simple, well preserved moraine sequences (Heim 1885). In contrast, at the ice margin of extensive ice lobes, dead ice bodies are often disconnected from the active glacier during deglaciation. These debris-covered dead ice bodies or ice-cored moraines will persist until climatic conditions are favourable enough for their thawing causing intensive moraine degradation (Gripp & Ebers 1957; Dyke & Savelle 2000; Everest & Bradwell 2003). In this study we exposure dated moraine boulders in different glacial environments (piedmont shaped outlet lobes from central Alpine ice caps versus small valley glacier system in the Bavarian Forest) that were affected by similar
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climatic boundary conditions during the late Pleistocene. This research setup allows testing the hypothesis of variations in exposure age distributions on moraines due to different glacial environments. Central Europe is an ideal study area to address this research question, as different glacial environments can be found in close proximity. During the Wrmian last glacial maximum the central European climatic regime was strongly influenced by the large Scandinavian ice sheet extending far into Northern Germany (Ehlers et al. 2004; Heine et al. 2009) as well as the Alpine ice cap with its extensive ice domes, its inneralpine network of large interconnected valley glaciers and outlet glaciers that spread out as extensive piedmont lobes onto the Alpine foreland (Penck & Brckner 1901/09; van Husen 1997; Florineth & Schlchter 1998; Kelly et al. 2004). A 500 km wide periglacial corridor extended between these two large ice masses (Fig. 1). Only a few isolated mountain ranges carried small mountain glaciers, as for instance the Black Forest, the Vosges, the Bavarian Forest and the Harz Mountains (Fig. 1; Seret et al. 1990; Rother 1995). Numerous chronological studies have bracketed the timing of glacial advances in the Alps and in the area covered by the Scandinavian ice sheet, indicating that both large ice masses reached their last glacial maximum ice extent coeval during the late Wrmian, respectively late Weichselian (e.g. Ehlers & Gibbard 2004a). Terrestrial glacial chronologies for low mountainous areas of central Europe (Mittelgebirge) are still patchy and no coherent numerical glacial chronology for any of the mountain ranges has yet been established (e.g. Rother 1995). Cosmogenic ages of moraines will considerably advance the age control of glaciations as the method allows direct dating of glacial deposition and thus supplements the bracketing radiocarbon ages. As study sites we chose the respective type sections of the Eastern Alpine piedmont glaciation and the small mountain glaciation in the Bavarian Forest in south-eastern Germany. The Bavarian Forest is located only some 160 km north/northeast of the terminal moraines of the Alpine piedmont glaciers (Fig 1). In the Eastern Alps, a type section of the Wrmian glaciation is the sequence of glacial deposits around the Wrmsee (now called Starnberger See) deposited by the former Isar-Loisach glacier (Chaline & Jerz 1984). This sequence of glacial deposits was eponymous for the Wrm glaciation (Penck & Brckner 1901/09) and has been intensively mapped and studied (e.g. Penck & Brckner 1901/09; Troll 1937; Rothpletz 1917; Jerz 1987a, b; Feldmann 1992). Up to now, no numerical ages constrain the chronology of these glacial deposits. The glacial sequence around the Kleiner Arbersee is typical for the late Wrmian glaciation in the Bavarian Forest (Partsch 1882; Penck et al. 1887; Jerz 1993). The deposits of this sequence are well mapped (Bayberger 1886; Rathsburg 1928, 1930; Priehusser 1927, 1930; Bucher 1999) and have been sedimentologically studied in detail (Hauner 1980; Mahr 1998; Raab 1999; Raab & Vlkel 2003). However, only a few radiocarbon dates yield minimum ages for the regional deglaciation (Raab & Vlkel 2003).
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The goal of our study was two-fold: Firstly, we aimed to establish a numerical chronology for the Wrmian glaciation at the respective type localities in the Eastern Alps and the Bavarian Forest mountain range which are numerically undated sites, and secondly, we aimed to compare the validity of surface exposure dating in two very different glacial settings (Alpine piedmont glacier on foreland versus small valley glacier system in Bavarian Forest). In the first part of this paper the results from the numerical dating studies for both field areas are presented. In the second part the implications of our studies for surface exposure dating in different glacial settings are discussed. 2 materials and methods 19 boulder and bedrock samples were taken in the Bavarian Forest from gneiss surfaces. 10 crystalline boulder surfaces were sampled on the Alpine foreland moraines. Geographic coordinates and topographic shielding were measured using a GPS receiver and a hand-held inclinometer, respectively (Tab. 1, 2). The samples were crushed and ground and the quartz fraction was separated following the procedures described by Kohl & Nishiizumi (1992) and Ivy-Ochs (1996). BeO was extracted using a combination of column chemistry separation and selective hydroxide precipitations (Ochs & Ivy-Ochs 1997). Ratios of the radionuclide to the stable nuclide were measured using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) at the ETH Zurich tandem accelerator facility (Synal et al. 1997). Apparent exposure ages were calculated from the measured nuclide concentration, the sitespecific production rate according to Lal (1991) and Stone (2000) and the sampling depth. They were corrected for topographic shielding (Dunne et al. 1999), variations in the geomagnetic field (Laj et al. 2004), erosion, uplift, snow and vegetation cover (Gosse & Phillips 2001). The dense forest canopy inhibited field measurements of the topographic shielding in the Bavarian Forest. Shielding angles for each sample were calculated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) based on spatial information obtained from a high-resolution DEM (Reuther 2007). The following aspects were considered for the corrections: Bavarian Forest: (i) The exposure ages were calculated using an erosion rate of 52 mm ka-1 based on measurements in the field, a value that is in agreement with values used in similar studies (appendix 1). (ii) Snow cover is significant (Fig. 2). At the Arber summit, a close snow cover is reported for 150170 days yr-1 (Mller-Hohenstein 1973; Hauner 1980; Scheuerer 1997). In the sheltered cirques the snow melts considerably later than in more exposed locations. South of the Kleiner Arbersee (Seeloch) it persists until May or even June (Baumgartner 1970; Scheuerer 1997). For the age calculation an estimate of 30 cm snow cover for six months is assumed for the horizontal surfaces. (iii) The Arber region is a densely forested area (Fig. 2). Several tree storeys occur and a moss and shrub cover grows on some bedrock surfaces. Some of the sampled surfaces were covered with a thin moss and humus layer. For the age calculation the mean of the reported biomass values of

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Fig. 2: Field photographs from the Bavarian Forest. Upper left is boulder BW-03-02, upper right is boulder BW-03-15, lower left shows the snow cover on top of boulders in the snow-rich winter of 2004, lower right shows the vegetation cover on some of the boulders. If the tree that is growing on the boulder falls over it is likely to topple the boulder (this boulder was not sampled). Abb. 2: Gelndeaufnahmen aus dem Bayerischen Wald. Oben links: Mornenblock BW-03-02, oben rechts: Mornenblock BW-03-15, unten links: Schneebedeckung auf einem Mornenblock im schneereichen Winter 2004, unten rechts: Vegetationsbedeckung auf Mornenblcken. Wenn der Baum, der auf dem Mornenblock wchst, umfllt, wird der Block voraussichtlich gedreht (der Mornenblock wurde nicht beprobt).

spruce forests in Bavaria was assumed (360 t ha-1 for cultivated forests, Dietrich et al. 2002). This does neither comprises understorey vegetation nor humus cover. Forest cover of the study area is assumed for the last 10 ka. Radiocarbon dated pollen diagrams from the Kleiner Arbersee indicate that the first arboreal pollen occurred around 13.915.0 cal ka BP (12,311372 14C yr BP; Raab 1999), indicating that the area was already forested around this time. (iv) A (negative) vertical movement of the Bavarian Forest of 0 to -0.9 mm yr-1 has been measured (station Wettzell, T. Klgel, pers. comm. 2005). For the correction of the pro-

duction rate calculation a value of -0.5 mm yr-1 was estimated for the exposure duration. Alpine Foreland: (i) The exposure ages were calculated using an erosion rate of 5.52 mm ka-1 based on field observations and measurements (appendix 1). (ii) For snow cover corrections, the average snow depth (20 cm) and density (0.3 g cm-3) for about 4 months per year as measured at a near-by site (Attmannspacher 1981) are used in the calculations.
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Tab. 1: Exposure ages determined on moraines of the Kleiner Arbersee glacier, Bavarian Forest. Tab. 1: Expositionsalter von Mornen des Kleiner Arbersee-Gletschers, Bayerischer Wald. Height above sample ground, thickbase plane ness area [cm]

sample id

Lat / Long

Altitude

fcorr fcorr fcorr 10 be (topo, (veg, (geoatom slope)* snow)* mag)

Ams error

Production rate

Apparent age#

Exposure age**

[] Wia - moraine 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n BW-03-14 13.12E 49.13n BW-03-16 13.12E BW-03-15 Wib - moraine 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n BW-03-02 13.12E BW-03-06 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n 13.12E

[m asl]

[g-1 siO2[%] 1 *105]

[atm g-1 yr-1] [10Be ka ]

[10Be ka ]

862 848 874

1.1 m 4.6 m 0.9 m 2.6 m 1.4 m 13.2 m 1.3 m 10.5 m 3m

3.5 4 4

0.997 0.997 0.997

0.965 0.964 0.964

1 1 1

2.09 1.83 1.95

3.3 6.8 3.4

10.5 10.2 10.5

19,508 17,379 18,024

20.72.1 (0.6) 18.42.1 (1.1) 19.21.9 (0.5) 18.71.9 (0.7) 18.71.9 (0.7) 16.91.8 (0.7) 18.81.9 (0.6) 15.91.9 (1.0) 15.01.7 (0.8) 17.41.8 (0.5) 17.41.8 (0.6) 15.41.7 (0.6) 17.21.8 (0.5) 15.81.7 (0.6) 15.92.1 (1.4) 15.01.6 (0.5) 14.01.7 (0.5) 14.61.8 (0.6) 14.21.8 (0.7) Erosion rate

873 864

4.5 4.5

0.997 0.996

0.964 0.964

1 1

1.90 1.88

4.3 4.1

10.4 10.3

17,640 17,649

Wi lateral moraine before it splits into Wia and Wib BW-03-07 BW-03-08 BW-03-17 BW-03-18 BW-03-19 Wii moraine 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n Bw-03-04 13.12E 49.13n BW-03-20 13.12E BW-03-03 Lake moraine 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n BW-04-04 13.12E 49.13n BW-03-09 13.12E BW-04-03 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n 13.12E 49.13n 13.12E 49.11n 13.13n 905 915 945 2m 12 m 3.2 m 10.5 m 1.5 m 6.4 m 3.5 3.5 4 0.996 0.996 0.997 0.962 0.962 0.961 1 1 0.99 1.66 1.68 1.61 4.5 9.9 4.1 10.7 10.8 11.0 14,894 14,992 14,092 870 871 870 1.5 m 2.4 m 1.1 m 6 m 1.2 m 1.4 m 4 6.1 4.5 0.996 0.996 0.995 0.963 0.961 0.963 0.99 0.99 1 1.76 1.53 1.74 4.0 4.9 3.7 10.4 10.2 10.4 16,364 14,472 16,243 860 936 892 893 898 2m 4.5 m 1.3 m 5.3 m 1.8 m 7.35 m 0.9 m 5.2 m 1.4 m 5.1 m 4.5 3.5 5 4.5 4.5 0.995 0.996 0.997 0.996 0.994 0.963 0.964 0.962 0.961 0.963 1 1 0.99 0.99 1 1.69 2.03 1.63 1.54 1.79 4.5 3.6 7.5 6.0 3.5 10.3 11.1 10.5 10.5 10.6 15,951 17,775 14,973 14,090 16,396

bedrock surface south of lake Kas-1-1 Kas-2-1 Kas-3-1 935 935 935 bedrock bedrock bedrock 0.85-1 0.85-1 0.85-1 0.655 0.655 0.622 1.000 1.000 1.000 0.99 0.99 0.99 1.06 1.11 1.03 6 4.2 5.3 7.6 7.7 7.3 13,839 14,470 14,038

bedrock surface on summit (reference to this data in appendix) BW-04-01 1,350 bedrock 4.5 0.997 0.977 1 6.2 6.2 15.9 102.432 94.424 Erosion rate

* # **

note: samples were processed and measured at EtH Zurich tandem facility. the 10Be concentrations and exposure ages are based on aMs standard s555 with a nominal value of 95.5E-12 and an associated 10Be half-life of 1.51 Ma. correction factor for the effect of topographic shielding and surface geometry (exponential depth profile, nucleonic attenuation length 155 g cm-2, muonic attenuation length 1510 g cm-2, coefficient m=2.3 for the nucleonic and m=2.1 for the muonic component). blank-corrected. local production rate corrected for geometry, topography, sample thickness, erosion, snow cover, uplift and geomagnetic variations. corrected only for topographic shielding, geometry and sample thickness. exposure age corrected for all mentioned factors (section 3), error give the 1- uncertainty including analytical and systematic errors to be used when quoting absolute exposure age of boulder; errors in parenthesis give only the analytical uncertainty for comparison of different boulders in the same area.

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Tab. 2: Exposure ages determined on terminal moraine complex of the Isar-Loisach glacier, Alpine Foreland and from glacial deposits of the Inn glacier. Tab. 2: Expositionsalter der Endmornen des Isar-Loisach-Gletschers, Alpenvorland, und von glazialen Ablagerungen des Inn-Gletschers. Height above Altitude ground, base plane area [m asl]

sample id

Lat / Long

sample thickness

fcorr (topo, slope)*

fcorr (veg, snow)*

fcorr 10 be (geoatom mag)

Ams error

Production rate

Apparent Exposure age# age**

[]

[cm]

[g-1 siO2-1 [%] *105]

[atm g-1 yr-1]

[10Be ka ]

[10Be ka ]

maximum terminal moraine aVs-03-01 aVs-03-05 aVs-03-06 aVs-03-10 aVs-03-11 aVs-03-22 47.98n 11.42E 47.99n 11.40E 47.99n 11.40E 48.02n 11.40E 48.02n 11.40E 47.99n 11.40E 670 645 650 650 655 685 1.1 m 5.4m 1m 11.2 m 1m 3.6 m 1.1 m 5.9 m 1.1 m 4.2 m 1.2 m 4.5 m 0.8 m 2.9 m 1m 4.5 m 2.7 m 8.4 m 2.5 m 80 m 5.6 4.5 5 4.5 5 5.5 0.997 1 1 0.999 0.987 0.994 0.974 0.981 0.973 0.967 0.971 0.972 1.00 1.01 1.00 0.99 1.00 1.00 1.5 3.24 1.37 1.0 1.25 1.3 5.2 3.0 5.6 5.0 5.6 5.7 8.6 8.6 8.5 8.4 8.4 8.6 16,891 37,038 15,579 11,346 14,352 14,513 18.01.9 (0.8) 40.43.1 (0.8) 16.61.8 (0.8) 12.11.4 (0.5) 15.31.7 (0.7) 15.51.7 (0.8) 17.91.9 (0.7) 15.61.8 (1.1) 13.51.5 (0.5) 16.41.8 (0.9)

moraine arch ice-proximal to terminal moraine 48.00n 11.39E 47.95n aVs-03-04 11.39E aVs-03-03 48.00n 11.38E 47.81n 11.93E 656 659 5.5 4.5 0.997 0.996 0.974 0.972 1.00 1.00 1.47 1.29 4.5 7.9 8.5 8.5 16,661 14, 639

Boulder inside the inner moraine arch aVs-03-09 625 5.5 1 0.969 1.00 1.1 4.6 8.4 12,638

inn glacier - deposits aVC-04-01 495 4.5 1 0.972 1.00 1.2 6.1 7.5 15,372

note: samples were processed and measured at EtH Zurich tandem facility. the 10Be concentrations and exposure ages are based on aMs standard s555 with a nominal value of 95.5E-12 and an associated 10Be half-life of 1.51 Ma. * correction factor for the effect of topographic shielding and surface geometry (exponential depth profile, nucleonic attenuation length 155 g cm-2, muonic attenuation length 1510 g cm-2, coefficient m=2.3 for the nucleonic and m=2.1 for the muonic component). blank-corrected. local production rate corrected for geometry, topography, sample thickness, erosion, snow cover, uplift and geomagnetic variations. # corrected only for topographic shielding, geometry and sample thickness. ** exposure age corrected for all mentioned factors (section 3), error give the 1- uncertainty including analytical and systematic errors to be used when quoting absolute exposure age of boulder; errors in parenthesis give only the analytical uncertainty for comparison of different boulders in the same area.

(iii) The study area is presently covered by a closed forest. Corrections of the exposure ages for the effect of vegetation cover were calculated from biomass measurements from the Ebersberg forest, west of Munich (340 t ha-1; data reported by Cannell 1982). A closed vegetation cover was reconstructed for the late glacial Allerd period from drill cores proximal of the Inn glacier moraines (Schmeidl 1971; Beug 1976). For the age calculations the duration of a vegetation cover is only assumed for the last 11 ka. (iv) The Eastern Alpine foreland is subject to uplift movements; postglacial uplift rates for the Eastern Alps and the forelands are partly due to isostatic adjustment (Fiebig et al. 2004) and have been determined to be 12 mm a-1 (Hggerl 1989). For the correction of production rate changes due to uplift, 1 mm a-1 over the (apparent) exposure time is assumed in this study. The exposure ages in the result chapters are given with the 1- uncertainty. For comparison and precision of the exposure ages among one another only the analytical un-

certainties are given, whereas when the averaged exposure age of the moraines (landform age) are stated the total uncertainty including the analytical as well as the systematic uncertainties are given. Radiocarbon ages were calibrated using the INTCAL09 curve (Reimer et al. 2009) and the online radiocarbon calibration program Oxcal 4.1 (https://c14.arch.ox.ac.uk/oxcal/ OxCal.html) (Bronk Ramsey 2009). 3 study site small mountain glaciation in the bavarian Forest 3.1 regional setting and glaciation in the study area The Bavarian Forest was repeatedly glaciated throughout the Pleistocene (Ergenzinger 1967; Hauner 1980, 1998; Jerz 1993; Pfaffl 1997) but is not glaciated at present. In the Bavarian Forest, glacial landforms have been recognized along the north to south-eastern slopes of the moun253

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tain ranges that rise above 1,300 m asl (Rathsburg 1928; Priehusser 1930; Ergenzinger 1967; Hauner 1980). The most recent glaciation in the Bavarian Forest was restricted to cirques and small valley glaciers (Ergenzinger 1967; Hauner 1980, 1998; Jerz 1993). The study area is located in the small catchment (2.8 km) of the Seebach River on the northern slopes of the Grosser Arber Mountain, the highest part of the Bavarian Forest (Fig. 3, 4). Three glaciers developed on the slopes of the Grosser Arber during glaciations; the largest of them was the Kleiner Arbersee glacier extending north into the Seebach catchment (Priehusser 1927; Rathsburg 1930; Pfaffl 1988, 1989). The wide saddle between Grosser and Kleiner Arber served as ice accumulation area (Ergenzinger 1967; Pfaffl 2001). During its last advance, the Kleiner Arbersee glacier extended about 2.5 km north from the saddle with a maximum lateral extent of 800m (Raab 1999). The glacier eroded a number of flat to slightly inclined cirques on the slopes of the valley head (Ergenzinger 1967; Manske 1989). The shallow lake depression of the Kleiner Arbersee was excavated by a former glacier tongue (e.g. Bucher 1999). Moraines were deposited along the valley sides and to the north of the lake (Fig. 3, 4). 3.2 sampling sites A series of distinct lateral moraine ridges are preserved in the study area that flatten out into subdued, arcuate terminal moraines and are morphologically recognizable as ramping steps along the slope. The lateral moraine ridges are 510 m high and covered with many large moraine boulders (with a height above ground of up to 4 m; Fig. 2, Tab. 1). Moraine ridges are distinct on the eastern side of the catchment. On the western side they fade out on top of bedrock on the steep slopes south of the lake (Fig. 3, 4). The terminal and lateral moraines deposited by the Kleiner Arbersee glacier consist of clast-rich sandy to silty, bouldery, massive diamictons (Raab & Vlkel 2003). The outermost lateral moraine WI (terminology after Raab 1999; Fig. 3, 4) splits into two moraine ridges at around 900 m asl. This double-crested lateral moraine turns west about 50 m further down the slope and forms a set of terminal moraines. The outer ridge WIa passes into a shallow terminal moraine approximately 600 m north of the lake shore; the inner ridge of the terminal moraine WIb forms the southern part of the set of terminal moraines about 500 m north of the lake. A morphologically distinct (~510 m high) terminal moraine WII was deposited by the downwasting glacier proximal to the WI moraines, about 400 m north of the lake. The terminal moraine WII passes into a distinct lateral ridge on the eastern side of the catchment. Inside the moraine WII and north of the lake a hummocky relief with numerous kettle holes and a few shallow ridges persists. Along the eastern slopes of the catchment and ice-proximal of the WI and WII lateral moraines, two lateral moraine ridges are morphologically distinguishable (WIII and WIV; Raab 1999). Both moraine ridges flatten out at the northern lake shore. A subdued ridge of glaciolacustrine sediments (Mahr 1998; Raab 1999) dams the lake to the north and is covered with large moraine boulders.
254

On the southern side of the lake, the valley of the Seebach is narrow and vertical bedrock cliffs are exposed on the western catchment side. The bedrock consists of jointed sillimanite-cordierite gneiss (Troll 1967a, b; Ott & Rohrmller 1998). Glacial erosion occurred mainly along these joint planes (Rathsburg, 1928; Raab 1999). The bedrock outcrops show glacial striations on protruding quartz veins indicating glacial abrasion. 3.3 sample description and results of surface exposure dating In the study area a total of 16 samples were taken from moraine boulders and bedrock surfaces (Fig. 3, 4, Tab. 1). Furthermore, we took samples from three glacially polished quartz veins south of the lake (Kubik & Reuther 2007; Reuther 2007), however, only the 10Be nuclide concentration of the three surface samples will be included in the following discussion. Terminal and lateral moraines (WI) Four samples were taken from moraine boulders on the crest of the outer lateral ridge WIa, two come from boulders on the inner ridge crest of the lateral-terminal moraine set WIb. Four samples were taken on the lateral moraine ridge WI just before it splits into the two ridges WIa and WIb. The oldest exposure ages were measured in boulders located on the outer ridge WIa (20.70.6 ka; 19.20.5 ka; 18.41.1 ka). The boulders located on the inner ridge WIb yield exposure ages, which are identical and younger than those on the outer ridge (18.70.7 ka; 18.70.7 ka). Boulder BW-03-19 (17.40.5 ka) on the inner side of the moraine is located ice-proximal to the ridge and its exposure age gives the age of the downwasting of the glacier from the WI moraine. The exposure ages measured from the boulders on the lateral moraine WI before it splits into WIa and WIb are more scattered. Boulder BW-03-18 (15.00.8 ka) on the lateral moraine WI is partially embedded in the proximal side of the moraine. It stands 0.9 m above the ground on its ice-proximal side and only 10 cm on its ice-distal side. The young age might indicate a persistent thin sediment cover and exhumation of the surface well after deposition of the boulder. Boulder BW-03-07 (16.90.7ka) on the outer moraine WIa is a tall (2 m) boulder with a small basal plane area (4.5 m) that is slightly tilted down slope. The boulder might have slightly rotated, explaining the too young exposure age in comparison to the adjacent boulders. No explanation for the comparatively young exposure age of the massive boulder BW-03-17 (15.91.0 ka) on the lateral moraine WI is obvious. The boulder might have been toppled or tilted when nearby trees or trees growing on top of the boulder tipped over (e.g. Cerling & Craig 1994). In summary, the double crest indicates that the set of outermost terminal and lateral WI moraines has been deposited by two different glacial oscillations. The initial glacial advance occurred before 20.72.0 ka. The exposure ages show a stratigraphical order from the oldest boulder located on the outer crest (landform age 19.12.0 ka) to the possibly slightly younger boulders on the inner crest (landform age 18.71.8 ka).

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N
am

Ch

Cham Ktzting

Czech Republic
Weier Regen

Schwarzeck (1238 m) Kleiner Arbersee Kleiner Arber Groer Arber (1384 m) Groer (1456 m) Arbersee Groer Falkenstein (1315 m)

Sch

Germany

war zer Reg en

Viechtach

8 km

W Ia W Ib

terminal/ recessional moraine lateral moraine basal till glaciofluvial sediments area of glacial erosion area of glacial deposition

W II W III W IV

Fig. 3: Sketch map of Bavarian Forest and the location of the study area. Map of the glacial deposits around the Kleiner Arbersee from Raab (1999). Abb. 3: Schematische Skizze des Bayerischen Waldes und Lage des Untersuchungsgebietes. Karte der glazialen Ablagerungen um den Kleinen Arbersee von Raab (1999)

Recessional/readvance moraine (WII) Moraine WII is located only 100 m to the south of the terminal moraines. Two boulders right on top of the moraine crest (Fig. 3, 4) yield exposure ages of 17.40.6 ka and 17.20.5 ka. A third boulder (BW-03-04) on the same crest located between the two other boulders yields a much younger exposure age (15.40.6 ka). The boulder is massive and stands high above the surface. The young exposure age must be a result of either toppling of the boulder by a falling tree or spalling of the surface. The two well measured, identical exposure ages yield a landform age of 17.31.6 ka.

Lake moraine Two samples were taken at the north-western end of the lake, where the lateral moraine ridges WIII and WIV fade out (Fig. 3, 4). The boulders are located on the end of the lateral moraines. One sample was taken from the ridge that dams the lake to the north (BW-04-03). These three boulder surfaces yield exposure ages of 15.80.6 ka, 15.91.4 ka and 15.00.5 ka. The landform age of this moraine can be calculated to 15.71.7 ka with an arithmetic mean of the ages of 15.5 ka and a median of 15.7 ka.
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Grosser Arber (1456 m) Kleiner Arber (1384 m)

15.0 0.8 15.9 1.4 15.91.0 18.8 0.6 17.4 0.5 19.2 0.5 20.7 0.6 16.9 0.7 14.3 0.6

Kleiner Arbersee (918 m)


15.00.5

15.8 0.6

17.40.6

18.4 1.1

15.4 0.6 17.20.5 18.7 0.7

Fig. 4: Digital elevation model (DEM) of the study area in the Bavarian Forest, the location of the boulders and the respective exposure ages with the 1- analytical uncertainty. The moraines as well as the steep bedrock cliffs are well recognizable on the DEM. Abb. 4: Digitales Gelndemodell des Untersuchgebietes im Bayerischen Wald, Position der Mornenblcke und den entsprechenden Expositionsaltern und Angabe der 1- Abweichung. Die Mornenzge sowie die steilen Felsabbrche sind im Gelndemodell gut erkennbar.

Glacially polished quartz vein south of the Kleiner Arbersee Samples were taken from a glacially polished quartz vein in a steep (7080) bedrock cliff south of the lake (KAS) 1.5 m above the ground surface. The outermost slices of the three bedrock cores (KAS-1-01, KAS-2-01, KAS-3-01) were dated to 14.31.8 ka (14.00.5 ka, 14.60.6 ka, 14.20.7 ka). 3.4 discussion of results bavarian Forest Moraine boulders on the late Wrmian Kleiner Arbersee glacier yield stratigraphically consistent exposure ages. Boulders on the outermost moraine WIa give the oldest surface exposure ages, whereas moraine boulders on the proximal ridges become progressively younger. The consistency of the exposure ages documents the reliability of surface exposure dating in the study area and indicates that the exposure ages reflect the time of initial moraine stabilization after the glacier stopped delivering material onto the ridges. The well-preserved and distinct ridge morphology of the moraines indicates that thawing of dead ice bodies did not largely modify the moraines after deposition. In the study area a hummocky relief that might indicate the presence of dead ice after deglaciation is only present between the readvance moraine WII and the lake moraine, not on the moraines. Deposition of the moraine boulders on the terminal moraines WI occurred no later than 20.72.0 ka. Moraine boulders on the outer ridge WIa were stabilized around 19.12.0 ka. Before 18.71.8 ka, the glacier melted back 50100 m from its terminal position WIa and accumulated the inner ridge WIb, resulting in the double-ridge morphology of the terminal moraines. One could argue that the moraine boulder
256

Se e

ba

ch

18.7 0.7

of 20.72.0 ka shows inherited nuclide abundance as the other boulders of the same moraine ridge cluster around 19.12.0 ka. However, the 20.7-ka boulder has a smooth and rounded surface indicating a rounding of the boulder and thus erosion prior to its deposition. Consequently, inheritance seems unlikely. Furthermore, the boulder is located on the outer shoulder of the terminal moraine ridge WIa, where stratigraphically the oldest boulders is to be expected. The exposure age of boulder BW-03-19 suggests that the glacier melted back from the inner ridge of the moraine set WI at approximately 17.41.8 ka. The recessional moraine WII was deposited during an oscillation of the backwasting glacier at 17.31.6 ka. The exposure ages from the two boulders on the lateral moraines at the northern lake shore and the boulder deposited on the arcuate ridge which dams the lake were deposited during a glacial readvance, around 15.71.7 ka. Deformed laminated glaciolacustrine sediments at the northern lake shore (Raab & Vlkel 2003) are indicative of such a postdepositional readvance of the glacier. As indicated by the exposure ages on the southern side of the lake, the glacier wasted back from the lake basin around 14.51.8 ka. These ages are in good accord with the radiocarbon ages that imply an ice-free lake basin no later than 13.9-15.0 cal ka BP (12,311372 14C yr; Raab 1999) and with radiocarbon ages that indicate a backwasting of the Kleiner Arbersee glacier into the cirque locations by 12.512.9 cal ka BP (10,746152 14C yr; Raab 1999). The late Wrmian chronology of the Kleiner Arbersee glacier indicates a deposition of the terminal moraines WI during a period of approximately 3,000 years and backwasting from its terminal moraines not before 17.41.8 ka. The melting of the glacier was therefore slow as compared to

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0609

0932

1302

1526

Stuttgart Linz
4818

4818

Munich

Rhine Rh-Linth Rhone(N) Bern


Lake Constance

IllerLech

IsarLoisach
Innsbruck

Inn

Salzach Traun

Graz Chur
4651

4651

Geneva Lake

Geneve Ljubiljana

Rhone(S)
Milano
4504

Garda Lake
4504

Monaco 0 50 100 km Source: SRTM Data


0609 0932 1302 1526

Fig. 5: Shaded relief of the Alps based on elevation data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The red line marks the extent of the late Wrmian Alpine ice cover (Ehlers & Gibbard 2004b), the yellow arrows mark the two sampling sites on the northern Alpine Foreland. Abb. 5: Digitales Gelndemodell der Alpen erstellt aus Daten der Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Die rote Linie beschreibt die sptwrmzeitliche alpinen Eisausdehnung (Ehlers & Gibbard 2004b), die gelben Pfeile markieren die Untersuchungsgebiete im nrdlichen Alpenvorland.

m (asl)

2000

-- Jochberg

u W

erm

ian

a Gl

r cie

su

rfa

ce
1800

1600

1400

Kesselberg

-- Mittenwald

1200

1000

-- Mnsing

-- Leutstetten

-- Seeshaupt

m (asl)

-- Wangen

Isar 800 Walchen Lake 600

-- Gauting

800

600 Wuerm Lake

Kochler bog

cum veti

-- Kochel lake

Oster lakes -- Iffeldorf

400

Flys

Foreland Molasse Sediment


200

400

Hel

Northern Calcareous Alps


200

present-day lake
0 80

Wuermian deposits
70 60

deposits from penultimate glaciation


50

deposits from prepenultimate glaciation


40 30

ch

bedrock/ molasse sediment


20 10 km

Fig. 6: Reconstructed ice surface of the Wrmian piedmond lobe of the Isar-Loisach glacier with sketch of the the local geology (modified from Meyer & Schmidt-Kaler 1997, after map by van Husen 1987). A cross section through the Wrmsee and the terminal moraines of the study area. Abb. 6: Rekonstruierte Eisoberflche des wrmzeitlichen Piedmontlobus des Isar-Loisach Gletschers mit einer schematischen Darstellung der lokalen Geologie (abgewandelt von Meyer & Schmidt-Kaler 1997, nach einer Karte von van Husen 1987). Ein Querschnitt des Wrmsees und den Endmornen im Untersuchungsgebiet.

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257

Fig. 7: Reconstructed late Wrmian ice cover and the flow direction of ice streams that fed the Isar-Loisach and the Inn-glacier (modified from Meyer & Schmidt-Kaler 1997, after map by van Husen 1987). The squares mark the two sampling locations. Abb. 7: Rekonstruierte Eisoberflche des wrmzeitlichen Eisbedeckung und Eisflurichtung der Eisstrme, die den Isar-Loisach und den Inngletscher gespeist haben (abgewandelt von Meyer & Schmidt-Kaler 1997, nach einer Karte von van Husen 1987). Die Vierecke markieren die Probennahmestellen.

Landeck

the deglaciation in the Alps (see below). Melting back from the inner moraine ridge of the terminal moraine WIb, which stabilized around 18.71.8 ka, to the recessional moraine WII (horizontal distance about 120 m) took place over a period of about 1,400 years. Downwasting of the glacier from the recessional moraine WII into the lake basin (horizontal distance about 400 m) and the readvance to the lake moraine happened over about 2000 years. 4 study site large piedmont glaciers on Eastern Alpine Foreland 4.1 regional setting and ice surface geometry During Pleistocene glaciations, the high elevated central chain of the Eastern Alps was the main ice accumulation area for the Eastern Alpine glaciation (van Husen 1997). In different locations, such as the upper Inn valley, ice domes formed (Florineth & Schlchter 1998; Florineth 1998). Furthermore, extensive glaciers accumulated on the high elevated plateaus of the Northern Calcareous Alps (van Husen 1997). During glaciations, the valleys were entirely filled with ice, and glaciers frequently overflowed passes (Beck 1932; Handtke 1980; Jckli 1970; van Husen 1987). By reaching the limit of the Alps, the glaciers spread out as
258

large piedmont lobes (Fig. 5). The glaciers excavated basins at the foothills of the Alps and large overdeepened basins on the forelands which were occupied by lakes following deglaciation (Fig. 6; Troll 1924; Frank 1979; Jerz 1987a, b; Kleinmann 1995; van Husen 2000). At present, the Eastern Alps are only glaciated at higher elevations, with an ELA around 28002900 m asl (Kerschner 1996). The study area is the region of abandoned terminal moraines from the late Wrmian Isar-Loisach glacier located south-west of Munich. A single exposure age was determined from deposits of the late Wrmian piedmont lobe of the Inn glacier, south-east of Munich (Fig. 7). The glacier complexes of the Inn and the Isar-Loisach glacier were tightly connected by ice transfluence (Fig. 7). During the late Wrmian glaciation glaciers extending from the central Alpine ice accumulation areas merged around Landeck and build-up a thick ice mass in the Inn valley (van Husen 2000, 2004). The drainage through the Inn valley was already blocked by advancing tributary glaciers further down-valley. The ice congestion and increase in ice thickness resulted in an ice transfluence of the Inn valley ice to the north into the headwaters of the Isar and the Loisach (Fig. 7). The ice overflowed the divide in the Northern Calcareous Alps about 400600 m above the bottom of the Inn valley (Penck 1882; Dreesbach 1985; Jerz

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AVS-03-12
10.5 0.8

AVS-03-10 AVS-03-11
15.3 0.7
12.1 0.5

AVS-03-05
40.4 0.8

AVS-03-06
16.6 0.8

AVS-03-09
13.5 0.5

Wangen Leutstetten

AVS-03-22
15.5 0.8

AVS-03-01
18.0 0.8

Starnberg

Fig. 8: DEM of the study area around the Wrm Lake, the location of the sampled boulders and the respective exposure ages with the 1- analytical uncertainty. The DEM is based on contour lines from a 1:5,000 map and is 5-times vertically exaggerated. The arcuate moraines and the different ridges (see text) are well recognizable in the DEM. Abb. 8: Digitales Gelndemodell des Untersuchunggebietes um den Wrm See, die Lage der beprobten Mornenblcke und die entsprechenden Expositionsalter und Angabe der 1- Abweichung. Das Gelndemodell basiert auf einer 1:5.000 Karte und 5-facher berhhung. Die gebogenen Mornenwlle und verschiedenen Mornenzge (siehe Text) sind im Gelndemodell auszumachen.

Wrmsee (Starnberger See)

1993; van Husen 2000). The Isar-Loisach glacier itself had only a small local accumulation area in the Northern Alps. The large Isar-Loisach piedmont lobe extended about 60 km onto the forelands. 4.2 Glacial setting and sampling sites The Wrmian Isar-Loisach glacier deposited sets of arcuate terminal moraine ridges around the overdeepened lake basin of the Wrmsee and the Ammersee (Fig. 8; Jerz 1979, 1993; Frank 1979; Feldmann 1992). During its initial late Wrmian advance the Isar-Loisach glacier as well as the Inn glacier (Troll 1924; Gripp & Ebers 1957) deposited small moraines, only preserved in a few locations or diamictic layers without morphologically visible ridges (Jerz 1987a, b; Fiebig et al. 2004). These deposits are called the outer maximum or supermaximum advance. High-prominent moraines a few tens to hundred meters south of the outer maximum moraines were referred to as the Wrmian maximum moraines before the outer maximum extent was recognized. Based on field evidence, it is assumed that the glaciers melted back shortly after they reached their outer maximum position and subsequently deposited the high prominent maximum moraine (Jerz 1993; Fiebig et al. 2004). Just proximal of the maximum late Wrmian moraines, recessional and/or readvance moraines during deglaciation were deposited. In a few locations around the Wrmsee, these ridges were pushed into one wide ridge (Fig. 8). The ridges are in parts well-preserved but disrupted by numerous kettle holes, which today are filled with fens or seasonal kettle ponds (Engelschalk 1971; Grube 1983; Jerz 1987a, b). The steep-crested ridges are up to 40 m high and a couple hundred meters wide with locally flat tops (Grube 1983). The moraine ridges are broken up in multiple smaller ridges and small knolls. Meltwater channels fre-

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rm W

AVS-03-04
15.6 1.1

AVS-03-03
17.9 0.7

quently intersect the moraine ridges (Fig. 8; Jerz 1987a, b). The Inn glacier spread out onto the foreland as a large piedmont lobe east of the Isar-Loisach glacier and excavated a large basin near the foothills of the Alps (Rosenheimer Becken). From this basin glacier lobes spread out radially (Fig. 7; Penck & Brckner 1901/09; Troll 1924; Hormann 1974; Rathjens 1985). The sequence of moraines and glacial deposits around the Inn glacier is very similar to that described for the former Isar-Loisach glacier (Troll 1924, 1925, 1957). The Isar-Loisach glacier advanced to its maximum extent later than the Inn glacier (Graul 1957). Sample description and results of surface exposure dating Nine erratic boulders were sampled from the terminal moraine complex of the Isar-Loisach glacier surrounding the Wrmsee (Fig. 8, Tab. 2). No erratic boulders were found on the supermaximum position. One massive boulder was sampled on deposits from a late glacial glacier halt position of the Inn glacier. Erratic boulders are rarely found on the moraine ridges on the Alpine foreland at present. The boulders are usually fairly small (11.5 m high; Fig. 9). All sampled boulders are of crystalline lithologies with a provenance in the Central Alps. Six boulders were sampled on the maximum moraine ridge, whereas only two suitable boulders could be sampled on the first readvance and/or recessional moraine ridge. One sample was taken from a boulder just proximal of the inner moraine ridge (Fig. 8). The measured exposure ages of the moraine boulders scatter from 40 ka to 14 ka. Three of the boulders are excluded from further interpretation as they are considered outliers. The six remaining boulders form a central age cluster with two older boulders and a tailing out of the age distribution towards the young. The ages range from 18.01.9 ka to 15.31.7 ka.
259

Out of the three outliers, two boulders (AVS-03-09, AVS-0310) showed chipmarks at the sides of the boulder, whereas the sampled surfaces seemed untouched. They yield anomalous young ages (around 1213 ka) that do not overlap within the 1- uncertainty with the age distribution of the other boulders. The boulder surfaces might have either been chipped without obvious evidence or the boulder might have toppled during the impacts. The third outlier (AVS-03-05) is a boulder with an anomalously old exposure age (around 40 ka) which we attribute to preexposure of the boulder and insufficient glacial erosion during the transport (inherited nuclide abundance), not an unusual phenomenon among moraine dating studies (Putkonen & Swanson, 2003). The other moraine boulders show an overlapping age distribution. The oldest ages were obtained by boulder AVS03-01 (18.01.9 ka) on the crest of the outer moraine ridge of the former Isar-Loisach glacier and by boulder AVS-03-03 (17.91.9 ka) on the crest of the inner moraine ridge (Fig. 8). Boulder AVC-04-01 (16.41.8 ka) was sampled from glacial deposits of the late Wrmian Inn glacier because it is the largest boulder found in the study area (Fig. 7, 9, Tab. 2). The boulder shows chipmarks on its west side, however, not on the surface. It is located on glacial deposits of the downwasting Inn glacier at the edge of the central Rosenheimer Becken, on a wide, not morphologically obvious rampart above the basin. This wide rampart might either represent a moraine ridge of the late glacial lkofener Stadium (Troll 1924; Jerz 1970a) or represent a till-covered, molasses-cored bedrock ridge (Troll 1924) in which case the boulder dates the downwasting of the Inn glacier. 4.3 discussion of results Eastern Alps The moraine boulders on the terminal moraines of the Wrmian Isar-Loisach glacier yield exposure ages that scatter from 18.0 ka1.9 to 15.31.7 ka with an age cluster around 18 ka and a tailing out towards younger ages, falling well into the late Wrmian. However, the distribution of boulder ages does not show a chronological order with respect to their location in the sense that ages are younger on the inner moraines (Fig. 8). The boulder situated on sediments of the downwasting Inn glacier yield an exposure age that is indistinguishable from ages determined on the terminal moraines of the Isar-Loisach glacier. The timing of the maximum Wrmian glacial extent in the Eastern Alps is bracketed by a few numerical ages from different locations throughout the Eastern Alpine that suggest a similar timing of the ice advance and deglaciation in the area (e.g. Furrer 1991; Schoeneich 1998; Preusser 2004; Ivy-Ochs et al. 2008; Kerschner et al. 2008). No numerical age has yet been derived from glacial deposits of the Isar-Loisach glacier. However, the ice-transfluence situation implies an ice-dynamic connection between the IsarLoisach and the Inn glacier (Fig. 7). During deglaciation the Isar-Loisach glacier was cut off from its central alpine accumulation area by the time when the ice table in the Inn valley sank below the elevation of the ice transfluence. Therefore constraints on the timing of deglaciation of the Inn glacier yields broad information on the deglaciation of the Isar-Loisach glacier.
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Published numerical chronologies suggest that the initial glacial advance of the Inn glacier in the late Wrmian occurred around 2533 cal ka BP as numerical ages from lacustrine sediments overlain by lodgement till in the Inn valley (30.333.0 cal ka BP [26,800 1300 14C yr BP]; Fliri et al. 1970) and dated organic material in fluvioglacial deposits underlying Wrmian till of the Inn glacier on the Alpine foreland (24.928.0 cal ka BP [21,900 +1230/ -107014C yr BP]; Habbe et al. 1996) suggest (Fig. 10). Following the peak of the maximum Wrmian glaciation, the Inn glacier piedmont lobe disintegrated rapidly (Reitner 2005, 2007). A few radiocarbon ages on pollen bracket the late glacial vegetation history and thus put restraints on the climatic boundary conditions during deglaciation. An ice-free lower Inn valley around 17.416.8 cal ka BP (13,980240 14C yr BP) is suggested by the basal age of a peat bog that developed about 300 m above the Inn valley near Innsbruck (Bortenschlager 1984a, b; Oeggl 1992). In tributaries of the Inn River, the late glacial Gschnitz advance was exposure dated to 15.51.8 ka (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2006a) and the Egesen (Younger Dryas) advance to 12.21.1 ka (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2006b). Similar ages were derived from the neighboring Rhein and Traun glaciers (e.g. Van Husen 1977; Geyh & Schreiner 1984; Preusser 2004). In summary, numerical ages determined for the deglaciation of the Inn glacier show that the entire ice body had disintegrated and melted back into the Inn tributaries well before 1615 cal ka BP by the time when a late glacial readvance of glaciers (= Gschnitz advance) in the tributaries occurred (Fig. 10). The here presented exposure ages measured on the terminal moraines of the Isar-Loisach glacier, about 60 km north of the fringes of the Alps do not corroborate this independently derived chronology. However, as the exposure ages do not cluster tightly and are not internally coherent (Fig. 8), we suggest that the age distribution does not reflect the time of moraine deposition or abandoning of the moraine but rather the final moraine stabilization. Reasoning that the surface exposure ages measured here yield the true age of the moraine deposition would be in contradiction to all published numerical chronologies (see above) and field evidence for rapid deglaciation of Eastern Alpine glaciers (Reitner 2005, 2007; Ivy-Ochs et al. 2008). The scatter in the measured exposure ages can be explained by periglacial surface processes or thawing of dead ice that exposed the boulder surface considerably after the boulder was deposited by the glacier (Fitzsimons 1996; Dyke & Savelle 2000; Everest & Bradwell 2003). Boulders embedded in the moraine matrix which are exhumed during moraine degradation processes document the time of landform stabilization rather than the moraine deposition time. Thawing of dead ice and periglacial slope processes have affected the moraine morphology in the study area (Grube 1983) and the scatter in the age distribution presumably reflects the stabilization of the moraines. The described hummocky relief and the multiple kettle hollows in the moraines (Fig. 8, 11) suggest that following the deposition of the terminal moraines around the Wrmsee the glacier melted down, separating dead ice bodies and leaving behind ice-cored moraines. Ice-contact sediments like kame terraces show that the downwasting Isar-Loisach glacier

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Fig. 9: Field photographs from the Alpine Foreland. First picture depicts boulder AVS-03-01, second picture shows boulder AVS-03-22 and third picture shows the large erratic boulder from the Inn glacier deposits AVC-04-01. Abb. 9: Gelndeaufnahmen aus dem Alpenvorland. Das erste Photo zeigt den Mornenblock AVS-03-01, das zweite Bild den Block AVS-03-22 und das dritte Bild den groen erratischen Block von den Ablagerungen des Inngletschers AVC-04-01.

disconnected a large dead ice body that filled the lake basin of the Wrmsee during deglaciation (Frank 1979; Bludau & Feldmann 1994; Kleinmann 1995; Feldmann 1998). The hummocky relief with many dead ice hollows and drumlin fields south of the Wrmsee basin give further evidence for

thawing of debris-covered dead ice complexes well after the initial deglaciation (e.g. Rothpletz 1917; Troll 1937; Bludau & Feldmann 1994). Thawing of dead ice and periglacial slope processes on the moraines in the study area can explain, firstly, the large spread in exposure ages that tail out towards the young, secondly, the fact that the boulder ages do not reflect their geographic position with respect to the former ice margin (especially true for the age of the boulder from the Inn glacier deposits), and, thirdly, the fact that the two oldest boulders (AVS-03-01, AVS-03-03) are located right on top of well preserved ridges which were likely the first to stabilize. The younger boulders are located on moraine crests but are surrounded by a hummocky relief (Fig. 11). There is ample evidence for periglacial conditions in the Alpine foreland during the late glacial such as the development of thick periglacial cover-beds and solifluction movement (e.g. Jerz 1970b; Semmel, 1973; Mailnder & Veit 2001; Bussemer 2002/03), evidence for dead ice bodies in the moraines (Grube 1983; Bussemer 2002/03), periglacially developed Buckelfluren (a special form of hummocky relief) (Jerz et al. 1966; Engelschalk 1971) and frost-wedges (Jerz et al. 1966; Menzies & Habbe 1992; Bussemer 2002/03). The time period of the Eastern Alpine deglaciation was punctuated by different cold events which correlate with phases of colder sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic (Heinrich-events; Bond et al. 1997). Von Grafenstein (1999) showed that these late glacial cold events are very well documented in the 18Op-record of the Ammersee in close proximity to the sampling sites on the Wrmian moraines (Fig. 7). Furthermore, the late glacial Gschnitz advance (15.41.8 ka) in the Eastern Alps, that is tentatively correlated with H1, shows that the atmospherically transported (18Op) cold pulses from the North Atlantic triggered glacial advances in the Alps (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2006a and references therein). Consequently, climatic conditions during H1 may have been favorable for periglacial activity on the Alpine foreland that could result in boulder exhumation by slope processes throughout the late glacial. However, one could reason that there could be another explanation for the measured age distribution. One explanation for too young exposure ages measured in erratics on the Alpine foreland moraines is quarrying of boulders by humans for which there is evidence since Neolithic times (e.g. Zehendner 1986), and is still ongoing today (gravestones, monuments). However, no obvious signs of quarrying were observed on the sampled boulder surfaces. Smooth boulder surfaces as well as protruding quartz veins indicate that no anthropogenic chipping occurred. Furthermore, the exposure ages of an extensively quarried boulder would be expected to be much younger than the observed ages or scatter considerably more. Another explanation for the age distribution could be tilting or toppling of the boulders possibly caused by falling trees. Boulder movement can explain a large spread in ages and cause exposure ages being younger than the landform (Cerling & Craig 1994). However, toppling of boulders caused by trees is more likely to occur during the Holocene, when dense forests covered the study area. The absence of Holocene outliers renders this explanation of the age distribution unlikely.
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Fig. 10: Schematic time-distance diagram of ice-advance of the Inn glacier based on published radiocarbon, luminescence and exposure ages. The reported ages are taken from Kneussl (1972, 1973), Fliri (1973), Bortenschlager et al. (1978), Suter (1981), Bortenschlager (1984a, b), Habbe et al. (1996), Ivy-Ochs et al. (2006a, b). Abb. 10: Schematisches Zeit-Entfernungsdiagramm der Eisvorste des Inngletschers basierend auf publizierten Radiokohlenstoff-, Lumineszenzund Expositionsalterdatierungen. Die Alter stammen aus: Kneussl (1972, 1973), Fliri (1973), Bortenschlager et al. (1978), Suter (1981), Bortenschlager (1984a, b), Habbe et al. (1996), Ivy-Ochs et al. (2006a, b).

Chipping of the surface or toppling of boulders is not suited to convincingly explain the exposure age distribution measured in the study area. We therefore interpret the age distribution as indicative for a glacial environment with persistent dead ice in the moraines, periglacial slope processes that might have exhumed boulders until final moraine stabilization in the late glacial. 5 discussion of results with respect to the two different glacial environments We have presented and discussed the results of two new exposure dating studies in south-eastern Germany based on the profound work of Reuther (2007). Dating of moraine boulders of the maximum Wrmian ice extent in two different glacial environments has shown that the age distributions determined in the two study areas are very different (Fig. 12) despite the similarity of the climatic boundary conditions. A consistent and precise late Wrmian chronostratigraphy was derived from moraines and bedrock surfaces in the catchment of a small valley glacier in the Bavarian Forest. Its initial ice advance occurred shortly before 20.72.0 ka. The glacier deposited two distinct lateral moraines in a time period of 23 ka of glacier oscillation around 1819 ka. A first recessional moraine was deposited at 17.31.6 ka and a late glacial readvance occurred around 15.51.6 ka. The glacier melted back into its cirque location after 14.51.8 ka. The exposure ages are consistent with bracketing radiocarbon ages (Raab & Vlkel 2003). The exposure age distribution from terminal moraines of the Isar-Loisach and the Inn glacier indicate a moraine deposition well before 18.01.9 ka, and a phase of moraine stabilization throughout the late glacial as implied by an older age cluster around 18.01.9 ka and a spread toward younger ages. Late glacial readvances in the Eastern Alps occurred after the piedmont lobes and interconnected valley glaciers
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had melted back into the steep tributary valleys forming a dendritic valley glacier system (Reitner 2007). Two distinct late glacial readvances in the Eastern Alps were the Gschnitz advance (~H1 cold event) and the Egesen advance (~Younger Dryas cold event) of which moraines are only preserved in small to medium size catchments of the Eastern Alps (IvyOchs et al. 2006a, b). Both glacial advances have been exposure dated by others; the Gschnitz advance to about 15.51.8 ka (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2006a) and the Egesen advance to about 12.21.1 ka (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2006b). Our results show that both glacial systems reached their maximum Wrmian ice extent during the late Wrmian (marine isotope stage 2; Fig. 12), supporting our basic assumption that the general circulation and climatic pattern in the two study areas were similar. Despite the broad synchronicity, the response time to climatic fluctuations of a small valley glacier in comparison to the response time of an extensive ice cap and piedmont glacier system is very different; with the small valley glacier in the Bavarian Forest being more sensitive to climatic signals. The synchronicity of the late glacial readvance in the Bavarian Forest (lake moraine) and the Eastern Alps (Gschnitz advance) around 1615 ka ago suggests that phases of colder climates around the North Atlantic lead to glacier advances of small valley glaciers of the Bavarian Forest at the same time as the small tributary valley glaciers of the Eastern Alps advanced. Consequently, we attribute the differences in the age distributions determined on the respective terminal moraines to geomorphic processes affecting moraine stabilization differently in the two glacial environments. Moraines deposited by the small valley glacier in the Kleiner Arbersee catchment stabilized shortly after the glacier abandoned the moraines. The fast slope stabilization is portrayed by the precise and coherent exposure age distribution on the moraines. The moraine morphology shows no signs for thawing of dead ice, and the moraine boulders are too tall and massive (Tab. 1) for exhumation during post-

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720 AVS-03-01

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Fig. 11: Cross sections through the terminal moraine complex of the IsarLoisach glacier at the sampling locations, showing the obvious hummocky relief and kettle holes. The red arrows mark the location of the sampled boulders. The cross sections cut the moraine wall radially. (Interpolated from the 1:5,000 contour line maps, 10x vertically exaggerated). Abb. 11: Querschnitt durch den Endmornenkomplex des Isar-Loisach Gletschers an den Probennahmestellen zeigen ein deutliches kuppiges Relief mit Toteislchern. Der rote Pfeil markiert die Position des geprobten Findlings. Die Querschnitte schneiden die Mornen radial (Interpolation von 1:5.000 Hhenlinienkarten, 10fach vertikale berhhung).

depositional moraine degradation by periglacial slope processes. This relative landform stability is likely the reason for the coherent chronology. In contrast, the surface topography of the moraines on the Alpine foreland (Fig. 8, 11) suggests that the landscape did not stabilize rapidly after the glaciers were cut off from their accumulation areas. Dead ice bodies likely prevailed until well after deglaciation of the region when periglacial activity ceased and the climate ameliorated. The age distribution measured in boulder surfaces from these moraines covers the entire late glacial. Moraine stabilization was not a function of the paleogeographic position, such as that the outer moraines stabilized first. The moraine boulders that yield the oldest ages are located on high moraine ridges with less evidence for thawing of dead ice, whereas the younger boulders are located on smaller ridges, surrounded by hummocky relief that implies delayed thawing of dead ice (e.g., Gripp & Ebers 1957). We therefore interpret the age distribution as indicative of a time period of melting of dead ice in the late glacial following the deposition of the set of terminal moraines. Furthermore, the boulders that were preserved on the moraines of the Alpine glaciers were relatively small in size (Tab. 2), some might have been exhumed after the initial moraine deposition during a phase of moraine degradation. The deglaciation of the small valley glacier in the Bavarian Forest (2.5 km terminal moraine cirque backwall) occurred by melting back of the glacier front at a slow and steady rate punctuated only by minor glacier oscillations. This slow melting reflects a rise of the glacial equilibrium line altitude (ELA) in the fairly steep Seebach valley under ameliorating climatic conditions in the late glacial. The readvance to the lake moraine occurred during a late glacial cold event, around the same time as the Gschnitz advance in the Alps. In contrast, the rise of the ELA of the Eastern Alpine glaciers during deglaciation turned the piedmont lobes on the alpine foreland and in the low relief major valleys into stagnant ice masses (van Husen 1987). The nested terminal moraines of the maximum alpine ice advance were deposited by the large piedmont lobes extending over 200km from the accumulation area to the north onto the flat foreland. The large ice masses did not react sensitively to shortlived climatic events. Only after they had melted back and formed separate valley glaciers during the late glacial, cold events are represented by moraines. The two different data sets give insight into landscape stability and moraine degradation in different glacial environments and have important implications for sampling strategies for exposure dating studies on moraines. Our results support preliminary studies that showed that precise exposure ages are not randomly distributed among moraines from all glacier types (Reuther et al. 2006). Small valley glaciers respond fairly rapidly to climatic changes and therefore a moraine can be deposited and stabilized in a short time period (~10 years). As a result moraines located in small alpine valleys with fairly simple moraine morphology may yield precise exposure ages (e.g. Gosse et al. 1995a, b; Ivy-Ochs et al. 1996, 1999; Owen et al. 2003; Vzquez-Selem & Heine 2004). In contrast, piedmont ice lobes or ice sheets that extend
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elevation [m asl]

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Fig. 12: Probability density diagrams of the exposure ages from the two study areas plotted against the 18O deep-sea North Atlantic Specmap curve (Martinson et al. 1987). The dark grey density functions show the outline of the exposure age distribution from all exposure ages measured on the respective terminal moraines in both study areas. The lighter grey age distribution outlines are from the ages measured on the recessional moraines in the Bavarian Forest. The solid dark line under the outline of the probability density functions (PDF) shows the sum of all PDFs from one moraine. Abb. 12: Wahrscheinlichkeitsdichtediagramm der Expositionsalter der beiden Untersuchungsgebiete dargestellt gegen die 18O-Tiefsee-Specmap-Kurven aus dem Nordatlantik (Martinson et al. 1987). Die dunkelgrauen Dichtefunktionen zeigen die Auenlinie der Expositionsalter-Verteilungen aller Alter, die auf den Endmorne in beiden Untersuchungsgebieten gemessen wurden. Die hellgrauen Altersverteilungen zeigen die Alter, die auf den Rckzugsmornen im Bayerischen Wald gemessen wurden. Die durchgezogene dunkle Linie beschreibt die Wahrscheinlichkeitsdichtefunktion der Summe aller Wahrscheinlichkeitsdichtefunktionen von den jeweiligen Mornen.

a few hundred kilometres from the accumulation area with a thickness of hundreds of meters will take much longer to arrive at equilibrium with the climatic conditions and may fluctuate for thousands of years around their maximum position and possibly disconnect large dead ice bodies (Gripp 1929; Owen et al. 2001; Benn & Owen 2002; Bowen et al. 2002). As a result, datasets from extensive piedmont lobe moraines with prominent (push-) moraines over wide foreland areas show considerably more scatter in ages (see above and also Ivy-Ochs et al. 2004) reflecting their more complex deglaciation history. Ice cored moraines will not stabilize before the melting of the ice core. Exposure dates of moraine boulders on moraine series deposited by an extensive piedmont lobe could give similar age ranges and the ages would have no geographical meaning in the sense of recessional moraines. Glacial deposits from large ice sheet margins similarly show some scatter in exposure ages (e.g. Licciardi et al. 2001; Balco et al. 2002; Bowen et al. 2002; Landvik et al. 2003; Rinterknecht et al. 2006). The only way to minimize the effect of exhumation of boulders during moraine stabilization is to sample tall and massive boulders. Even though the described processes complicate data interpretation for moraine dating studies, this methodological challenge might open new avenues for determin264

ing phases of intensive slope processes on moraine and thawing of dead ice during which boulders were exhumed. Exposure dating in extra-glacial terrains has already been successfully used to constrain times of intensive periglacial activity in Australia (Barrows et al, 2004). 6 summary and outlook The findings from this study can be grouped into three categories: (1) Surface exposure ages from the catchment of the Kleiner Arbersee glacier yield a consistent and precise late Wrmian local stratigraphy. The exposure ages are in agreement with the few published radiocarbon ages from the study area. The initial glacial advance of the Kleiner Arbersee glacier occurred just before 20.72.0ka. During the following 23 ka, the glacier deposited two distinct lateral moraines that form a set of terminal moraines. The outer ridge stabilized around 19.12.0 ka, the inner ridge stabilized at 18.71.9 ka. A first recessional moraine was deposited at 17.31.6 ka; a late glacial readvance occurred around 15.51.7 ka. The glacier melted back into its cirque location after 14.51.8 ka. The exposure age distribution shows an insignificant scatter, so that precise moraine ages were derived, despite

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18 normalized O

the dense forest cover in the study area. Even the deposition times of two ridges of a double-crested terminal moraine within 3 ka could be resolved. The moraines were not overprinted by post-depositional moraine degradation due to thawing of dead ice. This stability of the moraines is likely the reason for the precise exposure ages. The local glacial chronology of the Kleiner Arbersee catchment indicates that the late Wrmian glaciation was broadly synchronous with that of the Eastern Alps as implied by the late glacial advance around 1615 ka. Consequently, the phases of glacier-friendly climates during the late Wrmian affected the small glaciers of the Bavarian Forest similarly as they affected the Eastern Alpine glaciers. (2) Surface exposure ages from the type section of the Wrm glaciation, the Wrmsee area, show that maximum terminal moraines of the Isar-Loisach glacier and the Inn glacier were deposited during the late Wrmian (MIS 2). The exposure ages, however, do not reflect the exact time of moraine deposition. Instead the age distribution, after exclusion of outliers, shows an older age cluster around 18 ka and a tailing out towards young ages. This age range is interpreted as indicative of a time of intensive moraine degradation due to melting of dead ice or periglacial slope processes that might have exhumed boulders from the moraine matrix during the late glacial (1815 ka). There is ample independent evidence from the study area for intensive late glacial periglacial morphodynamic that could explain the slope processes from the terminal moraines on the Alpine foreland. The moraine boulders that yield the oldest ages are located on high moraine ridges, whereas the younger boulders are located on smaller ridges, surrounded by hummocky relief. The youngest boulder is located at the proximal side of the moraines in a former meltwater channel and was probably not exhumed before the end of the Pleistocene. (3) The results of this study demonstrate again the great potential but also the pitfalls of surface exposure dating for establishing precise glacial chronologies from terrestrial records. Even though recent efforts have reduced the analytical and systematic errors of TCND, moraine ages often show more scatter than expected from the reported errors. The most important uncertainties in moraine dating are caused by geomorphological processes and thawing of dead ice. The exposure ages from the two study areas prove that precise exposure ages are more likely determined from large boulders on well-preserved moraines, deposited by small valley glaciers. In contrast, the persistence of dead ice and prevailing of periglacial activity following deglaciation likely result in a post-depositional moraine degradation and exhumation of boulders resulting in exposure ages that scatter widely. Moraine boulder ages do not only depend on the deposition of the landform but also on its erosion history. Landform degradation is considerable and operates on time scales that significantly interfere with the resolution of TCND that are routinely used to determine the ages of boulders on landforms comprised of unconsolidated materials. However, rates of moraine degradation are not uniform; they depend on the sedimentary composition of the

moraine matrix material, the glacial environment, the presence of dead ice and on the climatic boundary conditions. Therefore, each data set and even each boulder exposure age has to be interpreted individually on the background of the relevant processes and the deposition environment. In any case the boulder age does not equate the age of the moraine, but the time of boulder stabilization. Further refinement in moraine dating with TCND will only be possible if rates and timing of geomorphologic processes that result in moraine degradation can be better constrained. Acknowledgements We thank H. Schmid (Bavarian Geological Survey) for helping to obtain sampling permission from the Regierung der Oberpfalz (erratics of the Bavarian Forest) and the Untere Naturschutzbehrden (natural heritage erratics of the Alpine foreland) and members of many authorities for their assistance. We sincerely thank the Zrich AMS facility for laboratory facilities. The authors thank I. Hajdas and an anonymous reviewer for suggestions of how to improve the manuscript. The research was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG-Az.: He 722/32-1 and 2). references
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Appendix Erosion rates 1. Erosion rate determination in the study area Bavarian Forest The local erosion rate of the cordierite-sillimanite gneiss in the study area of the Bavarian Forest was calculated from the measured nuclide concentrations at two different sites. Protruding quartz veins along the vertical bedrock cliffs on the western catchment side are rounded at the sides and show striation in the direction of the former glacier flow. In order to confirm the glacial origin of these striae, instead of originating processes related to faulting of the jointed gneissic bedrock, a bedrock piece was investigated for recrystallization of minerals such as calcites typically found on fault-polish (Harnisch). No such forms were recognized (M. Keller, pers. comm. 2003), indicating that the quartz veins were actually glacially polished. Geomorphological field descriptions had already suggested a glacial origin of the striations (Rathsburg 1928, 1930). A minimum erosion rate of 3.1 mm ka-1 can be calculated from the surface relief of the protruding glacially polished quartz veins on the vertical cliff south of the lake (4.5 cm, KAS-1-1, 2-1, 3-1) and its apparent exposure age (14.61.8 ka). The erosion rate derived from the quartz veins in a steep wall is interpreted as a minimum erosion rate because the vertical wall has never been covered by organic material. Most of the other boulders in the study area, however, are covered by a humus-soil layer of varying thickness (see Fig. 2 main text). Surface weathering in the gneiss surfaces is considerably enhanced under the organic cover. Surfaces covered with soil showed loose chips of rock on the surface and the rock was more deeply weathered. The relatively high nuclide concentration from a sampled surface on the Arber summit (BW-04-01) can be interpreted either as a minimum exposure age (98.4 ka, weighted mean of two measurements) when calculated without erosion, or as a maximum erosion rate. A maximum erosion rate is

calculated if it is can be assumed that the nuclide concentration has reached a secular equilibrium state in which surface erosion and radioactive decay balances the production of nuclides in the surface. This allows one to solve the production equation for the long-term erosion rate of the bedrock. The high nuclide concentration in sample BW-04-01 may be indicative of the sample having reached secular equilibrium. The measured concentrations indicate an erosion rate of 5.7 mm ka-1 (weighted mean of the two measurements). This erosion rate constitutes a maximum erosion rate because a higher erosion rate would require the nuclide concentration in the surface to be lower. If the steady-state had not yet been reached, the calculated erosion rate would be too high. As described above, a minimum erosion rate of 3.1 mm ka-1 and a maximum erosion rate of 5.7 mm ka-1 were derived in the study areas. Ivy-Ochs et al. (2006b) calculated a similar erosion rate from a weakly foliated granitic boulder in Switzerland (5.5 mm ka-1). An erosion rate of 52 mm ka-1 was assumed as a best estimate of the long-term erosion rate in the study area based on the calculated maximum and the minimum erosion rate. 2. Erosion rate determination in the study area Northern Alpine Foreland Erosion of the surface of the boulders could be roughly estimated at boulder AVS-03-01, where a quartz vein was protruding approximately 5 cm above the rest of the surface. The quartz vein itself was not polished but had a rough surface, indicating that it is not the original surface. If an exposure age of the boulder of 16.5 ka is assumed, this surface relief suggests a minimum erosion rate of 3 mm ka-1. Measurements of surface erosion rates in the Western Alps yield values of 3 mm ka-1 for a weakly-foliated hornblende granite at Solothurn from relief differences (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2004) and 5.5 mm ka-1 for a granitic boulder (Mont Blanc granite) at Montoz based on a saturation assumption (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2006b). In this study, an erosion rate of 5.52.5 mm ka-1 is used as an estimate for the age calculations.

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Quaternary Science Journal


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Casting new light on the chronology of the loess/paleosol sequences in Lower Austria
birgit Terhorst, Christine Thiel, Robert Peticzka, Tobias Sprafke, Manfred Frechen, Florian A. Fladerer, Reinhard Roetzel, Christine neugebauer-Maresch
Abstract: This paper presents a review on recently dated sections in well-known loess/paleosol sequences of Lower Austria. The dating results indicate that there was loess deposition during the Upper Wrmian Pleniglacial as recorded in the profile Joching. However, most obtained ages are older than the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and therefore erosional processes, which led to the removal of younger deposits can be supposed. Soil formation between ~28 ka and ~35 ka mainly resulted in the formation of Cryosols. Hence, in the studied profiles, there is no evidence for more intense interstadial pedogenesis during this time span. This might be of particular relevance to the stratigraphy of Stillfried B (sensu Fink). The 2nd age cluster lies between ~35 ka and ~57 ka i. e. the Middle Pleniglacial (Wrmian) and is dominated by loess deposits intercalated with different Cryosols. This period is also characterized by colluvial processes. There is a significant hiatus between ~57 ka and ~106 ka, a fact which might be due to long lasting and intensive erosional processes in the study areas. The oldest measured age of the Last Glacial is 106 12 ka for the loess on top of Stillfried A in Paudorf (Paudorfer Bodenbildung). Immediately below this pedocomplex and equivalents to it, ages of 124 25 ka (Gttweig-Aigen), 159 20 ka (Paudorf 1), and 170 16 ka (Joching) were obtained in loess. Furthermore, there is evidence for older Middle Pleistocene deposits in Stratzing, Paudorf 2, Gttweig-Furth and Langenlois. (Lss-/Paloboden sequenzen in niedersterreich im Licht neuer chronologischer Ergebnisse) Kurzfassung: Der vorliegende Artikel gibt einen berblick ber neu datierte Abschnitte in bekannten Lss/Paloboden-Sequenzen Niedersterreichs. Die Ergebnisse der Datierungen im Profil Joching deuten darauf hin, dass es im letzten Hochglazial zur Lsssedimentation kam. Die meisten erfassten Alter sind jedoch lter als das letzte Hochglazial, was auf Erosionsprozesse hindeutet, die zur Abtragung der jngeren Lsse gefhrt hat. In dem Abschnitt zwischen ~28 ka and ~35 ka wurden berwiegend Tundragleye gebildet. Eine intensivere interstadiale Bodenbildung ist nicht nachzuweisen. Dieses Ergebnis kann auch fr die stratigraphische Einstufung von Stillfried B (sensu Fink) von Bedeutung sein. Der folgende chronologische Abschnitt liegt zwischen ~35 ka and ~57 ka in Lsssedimenten mit eingeschalteten Tundragleyen. Auch dieser Abschnitt ist durch Umlagerungsprozesse charakterisiert. Im Zeitraum von ~57 ka bis ~106 ka befindet sich eine markante Zeitlcke, die vermutlich auf langandauernde und intensive Erosionsprozesse im Untersuchungsgebiet zurckzufhren ist. Die lteste Datierung in den Sedimenten des letzten Glazials mit 106 12 ka befindet sich in Paudorf direkt ber dem Stillfried A- Komplex (Paudorfer Bodenbildung). Direkt unter diesem Pedokomplex, bzw. vergleichbaren Pedokomplexen treten in Lssablagerungen Alter von 124 2 5 ka (Gttweig-Aigen), 159 20 ka (Paudorf 1), and 170 16 ka (Joching) auf. Darber hinausgehende Alter konnten in Stratzing, Paudorf 2, Gttweig-Furth und Langenlois nachgewiesen werden. Loess, Lower Austria, Luminescence dating, Paudorf, Joching, Gttweig, Stratzing, Langenlois

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: B. Terhorst and T. Sprafke, University of Wrzburg, Institute of Geography and Geology, Am Hubland, D-97074 Wrzburg/ Germany. E-Mail: birgit.terhorst@uni-wuerzburg.de; C. Thiel and M. Frechen, Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, S3: Geochronology and Isotope Hydrology, Stilleweg 2, D-30655 Hannover/Germany. E-Mail: Christine.thiel@liag-hannover.de; Manfred.frechen@liag-hannover.de; R. Peticzka, University of Vienna, Institute of Geography and Regional Research, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Vienna/Austria. E-Mail: robert.peticzka@univie.ac.at; F. A. Fladerer, University of Vienna, Department of Palaeontology, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Vienna/Austria. E-Mail: florian.Fladerer@univie.ac.at; R. Roetzel, Geological Survey of Austria, Neulinggasse 38, A-1030 Vienna/Austria. E-Mail: reinhard.roetzel@geologie.ac.at; C. Neugebauer-Maresch, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Prehistoric Commission, Fleischmarkt 22, A-1010 Vienna/Austria. E-Mail: christine.neugebauermaresch@oeaw.ac.at.

1 introduction Loess landscapes are widespread in Lower Austria. Especially the loess region adjacent to the eastern margin of the Bohemian Massif comprises famous loess sequences at Krems, Stratzing, Gttweig and Paudorf (Fig. 1). Equally important is the loess/paleosol sequence of Stillfried, which is situated further to the east.
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Both regions have received much attention due to its archeological finds (e. g. Antl-Weiser 1997; Einwgerer et al. 2006; Hndel et al. 2008; Neugebauer-Maresch 2008). However, the well-developed loess/paleosol sequences in Lower Austria have not experienced much attention besides archeological investigations since the works of Fink (1956, 1976, and 1978). Since the 1930s (Gtzinger 1936) attempts have been made to develop a common stratigraphy

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Fig. 1. Study sites in Lower Austria. Abb. 1. Lage der untersuchten Profile in Niedersterreich.

for loess deposits in the area under study. This has not only been hampered by the lack of continuous records preserved but also by the lack of suitable dating techniques. Thus the chronological positions of many marker horizons such as the Stillfried complex (e.g. Fink 1976), the Gttweiger Verlehmungszone and the Paudorfer Bodenbildung (e.g. Gtzinger 1936; Fink 1976) have caused much controversy (e. g. Noll et al. 1994; Zller et al. 1994). Until then it was not certain which of these pedocomplexes depicts the last interglacial soil (Eemian). Due to enhanced dating techniques Thiel et al. (2011a) were able to clearly identify the Paudorfer Bodenbildung at its type locality in Paudorf as the Eemian soil (Fig. 1). The Gttweiger Verlehmungszone can most likely be attributed to the marine isotope stage (MIS) 11 or any older interglacial (Thiel et al. 2011b). However, these results have only been a small step towards the reconstruction of the former landscape in Lower Austria and its evolution. Other approaches to gain more information on pedogenesis and paleoenvironmental conditions in Lower Austria during the Quaternary have included micromorphological (e.g. Havlek et al. 1998; Smolkov 2003; Smolkov & Havlek 2007), geochemical (Haslinger & Heinrich 2008; Haslinger et al. 2009) and paleontological investigations (e.g. Frank & Rabeder 1997; Dppes & Rabeder 1997; Frank 1997; Fladerer et al. 2005). Due to topographically controlled variability of soil formation, the micromorpholocial attributes might not be sufficient to allow for stratigraphic correlations and numerical datings can complete the chronostratigraphy essentially. Because Lower Austria is a geographical key position for the correlation of the dry loess landscape with the loess/paleosol sequences of east and south-east Europe, it is of great relevance to derive more information on loess deposition and paleopedogenesis as well as on erosion processes in time and space. As an outline of current investigations in Lower Aus-

tria, this study presents first chronological results in form of short summaries from the study sites in Stratzing, Joching, Stillfried, Paudorf, Gttweig, and Langenlois (Fig. 1). Detailed profile description, analytical results, and luminescence dating details have been published elsewhere (Peticzka et al. 2010; Thiel et al. 2011a; b; c; 2011). 2 the chronological framework of the loess/paleosol sequences 2.1 stratzing The Stratzing loess/paleosol sequence (340 m a.s.l.) is situated at the eastern margin of the west-east elongated hill of the Galgenberg, which represents a characteristic landform in the loess area of the Kremser Feld (Fig. 1). The loess/paleosol sequence of the Stratzing tennis court is exposed to a depth of 7.5 m and is subdivided in 19 units (Fig. 2: 1). Single thermoluminescence ages exist earlier from Zller et al. (1994), detailed archeological investigations were conducted by Neugebauer-Maresch (1993) in nearby excavations, and malacological results were presented by Niederhuber (1997). The basal part of the profile shows Middle Pleistocene loess deposits with an interglacial soil complex (ST18 and 19). The pedocomplex is covered by two loess layers (ST17) and a soil sediment (ST 16), which truncated the upper loess layer. Horizon ST 15 is the oldest archeological layer on top of which an alternating sequence of Cryosols and loess is visible (ST 14 to ST 6). This sequence exhibits two further archeological horizons (ST 13 and ST 10). The uppermost part of the sequence consists of a loess layer (ST 5) and a well developed 1.0 m thick Cryosol pedocomplex (ST 4). The three uppermost horizons (ST 1ST 3) are essentially disturbed by viticulture activities and are not described here.
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Luminescence dating was applied to nine horizons (Thiel et al. 2011a; see Table 1). Making use of a post-IR IRSL dating protocol, the loess below the pedocomplex ST 18 and ST 19 and also its overlying loess (ST 17) were dated to > 300 ka (Thiel et al. 2011a). The colluvial layer (ST 16) indicates a hiatus, which is verified by an age of 117 8 ka for horizon ST 15. Thiel et al. (2011a) considered the obtained age as an overestimate due to post-depositional mixing. Both, the colluvial layer and the luminescence dating result imply a great discontinuity in the sequence. The sediment deposition of layer ST 14 was dated to 57 4 ka, and dating of ST 11 resulted in an age of 35 2 ka. The age of cultural layer I (ST 10, sample 1627) was estimated to 32 2 ka; this is in good agreement with the radiocarbon ages (cluster) obtained for this cultural layer from a neighbouring outcrop (Neugebauer-Maresch 1993; see discussion in Thiel et al. 2011a). For the loess layer (ST 5) a post-IR IRSL age of 31 2 ka was obtained, and the overlying Cryosol complex (ST 4b) was dated to 28 2 ka.

Highly fragmented fossil horse remains have been saved from the basal parts of the sequence. They belong to both mandibles, two vertebrae, and the metatarsal III of the right body side. The measurements combined with the tooth morphology allow to identify the finds as Equus cf. mosbachensis, which is a strong signal of Middle Pleistocene age. 2.2 Joching The study site is located on the left bank of the Danube valley in the Wachau, about 15 km west to the city of Krems, Lower Austria (Fig. 1). The valley is deeply incised in Paleozoic bedrock of the Bohemian Massif, the overlying Middle Miocene sediments, and its slopes are partly covered by loess and intercalated paleosols. The most famous site of the area is the archeological excavation of Willendorf. There, the loess and loess-like sediments are of Middle to Upper Pleistocene age, with uncalibrated 14C ages rang-

Tab. 1: Compilation of the recently published ages on the base of luminescence and 14C-dating (Stillfried). Tab. 1: Zusammenstellung der vor Kurzem publizierten Alter der Lumineszenz- und 14C-Datierungen (Stillfried). site stratzinga) unit st4b st5 st10 st11 st14 st15 st17b st19c st19d J1 Jochingb) stillfried paudorfb) J3 J9 s5 top s5 bottom p2-3 p2-9 p1-2 p1-4 G1-3 G1-1 Gttweigb) n.a. Gii-1 Gii-4 langenlois
c)

sample id 1625 1626 1627 1628 1629 1630 1631 1632 1633 1398 1399 1400 Hv 25618 Hv 25619 1402 1401 1404 1403 1405 1406 1407 1408 1409 lB 2/9 lB 2/10 lB 5/3 lB 5/5 lB 5/10 lB 5/15

Age (ka) 28 2 31 2 32 2 35 2 57 4 117 8 > 300 > 300 > 300 16 2 47 3 170 16 24,430 730 uncal. 22,840 870 uncal. 187 12 189 16 106 12 159 20 > 300 173 40 > 350 34 3 124 25 246 29 > 300 35 2 41 4 41 4 53 4 thieL et al. 2011a thieL et al. 2011b c) thieL et al. 2011c
a) b)

lB 2/9 lB 2/10 lB 5/3 lB 5/5 lB 5/10 lB 5/15

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ing between 23,180 120 and 41,700 +3,700/-2,500 yrs. BP (Nigst et al. 2008). The loess/paleosol sequence investigated has a total thickness of about 10 m, with two distinct pedocomplexes (Fig. 2: 2). The basal loess deposit (J9) is covered by an interglacial pedocomplex (J6J8). A silty yellowish-brown loess rich in secondary carbonates (unit J5) is exposed on the top of horizon J6. An interstadial paleosol (J4) is present on top of this loess, followed by stratified loamy brownish pellet sands (Brckelsande, unit J3). J2 corresponds to a zone of Cryic horizons (J2) (IUSS Working Group WRB 2006) and J1 represents the uppermost loess of the studied sequence. At this site three luminescence samples were taken (Fig. 2; Thiel et al. 2011b). The lowermost loess unit (J9) was sampled 0.7 m below the pedocomplex (J7 and J8), and the post-IR IRSL dating resulted in an age of 170 16 ka (Table 1). For the Brckelsand (J3; pellet sands) the depositional age was estimated to 47 3 ka. The uppermost sample originates from the loess unit J1 1.3 m below the surface and was dated to 16 2 ka. 2.3 stillfried The Stillfried study site is located in a distance of about 40 km north-east the city of Vienna (Fig. 1). The study site comprises two famous loess/paleosol sequences. Both the Stillfrieder Komplex and the profile of Stillfried B are formed during the Last Glacial/Interglacial cycle. The Stillfried exposures were first mentioned by Boehmker (1917). He described the Stillfrieder Komplex including three humic horizons superimposed on a Bt horizon. Furthermore, the key section of Stillfried B is closely connected with the loess studies of the Austrian loess researcher Julius Fink. Repeatedly, he published on the characteristic weak brownish horizon with its significant content of charcoals (Fink 1954, 1956). The Stillfried B sequence has been dated repeatedly by radiocarbon dating due to the fact that numerous charcoals are included. The results of Fink (1962), Vogel & Zagwijn (1967) and Rgl & Summesberger (1978) are variable and provided partly age inversions. A more recent discussion is published in Fladerer (2001). The presented sequence (Fig. 2: 6) is located in the western part of the abandoned brickyard of Stillfried at an altitude of 173 m. On top of loess strata (S6) three weakly developed BC horizons (S5) with an overall thickness of 1.2 m are situated on top of each other (Peticzka et al. 2010). The basal part of the pedocomplex shows marginally more intense pedogenesis as manifested in bioturbation structures. Charcoals occur in particular in the intermediate section of S5 as well as on top of the uppermost BC horizon (S4). Recent radiocarbon dating results in a depth of 2.3 m (Hv 25618) respectively 2.6 m (Hv 25619), in a slight inversion of the uncalibrated 14C-dating (Table 1). The sample on top of the pedocomplex records an age of 24,430 730 yr (Hv 25618) and the lower sample is with 22,840 870 yr (Hv 25619) at the same age, respectively slightly younger.

2.4 Paudorf The village of Paudorf is located on the eastern foothills of the Bohemian massif, 7 km south to the city of Krems. The studied sequences are exposed in a former brickyard and considered as the type locality of the Paudorfer Verlehmungszone sensu Gtzinger (1936) and Fink (1976), which was correlated with Stillfried A. The outcrop, which is about 9.5 m deep (Fig. 2) has been described by Fink (1976) and Kovanda et al. (1995) and was analyzed with thermoluminescence by Zller et al. (1994) and Noll et al. (1994). The published ages differ from each other and do not allow a clear interpretation. At least two pedocomplexes are preserved at this site; the uppermost soil complex corresponds to the prominent Paudorfer Bodenbildung, and the basal pedocomplex was correlated with the Gttweiger Bodenbildung. In profile 1 (Fig. 2: 3a) the pedocomplex of the Paudorfer Bodenbildung (P1/3), developed as a reddish-brown, clay-enriched pedocomplex with crotovina, is intercalated by loess sediments (P1/2 and P1/4). Profile 2 (Fig. 2: 3b) exhibits a loess/paleosol sequence, which is subdivided in numerous layers and soil horizons, which have never been described in detail. According to Peticzka et al. (2009) a differentiation of at least five pedocomplexes and paleosols is possible. In the basal section of the profile, a well developed dark brown pedocomplex representing at least one interglacial period is present (P2/10). It is overlain by yellowish brown carbonate-rich loess (P2/9) and a brownish paleosol horizon (P2/8). This horizon is overlain by the next loess strata (P2/37), which includes the horizons P2/4 and P2/6, which correspond to Cryosols (Reductaquic) according to the IUSS Working Group WRB (2006). Unit P2/2 corresponds to the pedocomplex Paudorfer Bodenbildung described in profile Paudorf 1. In this position the soil horizons are situated close to the surface and thus are disturbed by recent bioturbation. The position of the luminescence samples is specified in Fig. 2. The uppermost sample was taken in the loess unit P1/2 just above the Paudorfer Bodenbildung (unit P1/3). The measurements of the uppermost sample on top of the Paudorfer Bodenbildung resulted in an age of 106 12 ka for unit P1/2 (Thiel et al. 2011b). The loess unit P1/4 below the Paudorfer Bodenbildung was sampled as a block due to induration. The analyses recorded an age of 159 20 ka (Thiel et al. 2011b). In profile Paudorf 2, an age of 187 12 ka was obtained for unit P2/3 4.2 m below the surface(P2/3), and the second sample, taken in the loess unit P2/9 (7.9 m below top ground surface), displays a rather similar age (189 16 ka) (Thiel et al. 2011b). Both samples clearly indicate deposition during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6. The underlying pedocomplex (P2/10) originally correlated with the Gttweiger Verlehmungszone (Gtzinger 1936), thus developed during MIS 7 or an older interglacial. 2.5 Gttweig The study site is situated 5 km south of the city of Krems and 2 km north to Paudorf (Fig. 1). Two different sections

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273

meter 0

1 Stratzing
ST 1 ST 2

meter 0

2 Joching

meter 0

3a Paudorf 1
P1/1

meter 0

4a Gttweig-Furth

J1 1 ST 3 1
16 ka

106 ka

P1/2 1 P1/3 G I-1

ST 4a 2
28 ka 31 ka

ST 4b ST 5 ST 6 ST 7 ST 8a-c ST 9 ST 10 ST 11 ST 12a ST 12b ST 13 ST 14 ST 15 ST 16 ST 17a

J2

2 P1/4
159 ka

2
173 ka

32 ka 35 ka 57 ka

47 ka

3 J3 3,25

3
>350 ka

G I-2

117 ka

meter 0

3b Paudorf 2
P2/1

G I-3 4

J4 5 J5 6 2 1

>300 ka

ST 17b ST 18a ST 18b ST 19a

5 P2/2

G I-4

6 ST 19b
>300 ka

J6

6 meter 0

4b Gttweig-Aigen

ST 19c ST 19d

>300 ka

J7

3
34 ka

G II-1

J8 8
170 ka

P2/3 4
187 ka

1 G II-2 G II-3 2

J9

5
124 ka

3 10 meter 0 6 P2/4 P2/5 LB 5/1 LB 5/2 7 P2/6 P2/7 P2/8


35 ka

G II-4

5a Langenlois 2
LB 2/1 LB 2/2 LB 2/3

meter 0

5b Langenlois 5

4 meter 0

6 Stillfried
S1 S2

LB 2/4

1 LB 5/3 8
189 ka

LB 2/5 2 LB 2/6 2 LB 5/4 LB 2/7 3 3 9

P2/9

S3

P2/10 9,5

S4 2
24430 22840

41 ka

LB 5/5

LB 2/8 4
246 ka

LB 5/6 4
41 ka

LB 2/9
53 ka

>300 ka

LB 2/10

LB 5/7 LB 5/8 LB 5/9 LB 5/10 LB 5/11 LB 5/13 LB 5/12 LB 5/14 LB 5/15 LB 5/16 LB 5/17

S5

4 4,5

S6

Loess Gleyic Cryosol

Interglacial pedocomplex Archeological layer

Colluvial layer Interstadial soils

Fluvial layer Tephra (?)

Bones Humic horizon

Fig. 2. Overview of the studied sequences on the base of field survey. The sketch provides a generalized and equalized view. The ages are simplified by not showing the errors; they can be depicted from the corresponding section and Table 1. Abb. 2. berblick der untersuchten Profile auf der Basis der Gelndeaufnahmen. Die Zeichnung gibt eine generalisierte und einander angepasste Sicht. Die Alter sind vereinfacht ohne Fehler dargestellt. Sie knnen den entsprechenden Unterkapiteln und Tabelle 1 entnommen werden.

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were investigated near the monastery of Gttweig, close to the loess sequence in Paudorf (Fig. 2: 4a and b). Section I, Gttweig-Furth (ca. 240 m a.s.l) represents the classical site of the Gttweiger Verlehmungszone sensu Bayer (1927) and Gtzinger (1936). It is located in a sunken path near the market town of Furth. On the section of GttweigFurth, numerous studies have been published reflecting different opinions on the chronology of the pedocomplex Gttweiger Verlehmungszone. For instance, Fink et al. (1976) classified the pedocomplex as Mindel/Riss Interglacial. Kovanda et al. (1995) proposed an older age and allocated it with respect to micromorphological analyses to an interglacial phase inside the Mindel complex. Zller et al. (1994) allocated the Gttweiger Verlehmungszone as at least antepenultimate interglacial. With respect to the profile in Gttweig-Aigen, the results of Zller et al. (1994) indicate that the sequence there belongs to the Last Glacial/Interglacial cycle. In the section Gttweig-Furth (Fig.2: 4a) the pedocomplex Gttweiger Verlehmungszone (unit GI-4) and the overlying up to 6 m thick sandy-silty yellowish-brown loess is horizontally exposed over several 100 m and situated on top of a Danube terrace of which the chronostratigraphical position is unclear. A continuous thin layer (unit GI-2) can be identified in the loess package; which has the appearance of a tephra. At present, a volcanic component could not be detected by mineralogical analyses. The luminescence sampling points at Gttweig-Furth are shown in Figure 2 and Table 1. For the loess unit GI-3 (sample 1405) 0.3 m below the tephra band an age of >350 ka was obtained (Thiel et al. 2011b; Table 1). The sample of the loess unit GI-1, 0.6 m above the tephra, was dated to 173 40 ka. About 300 m upslope of this section, a further sample (1407; not shown in Fig. 2) was taken just above the supposed tephra; dating resulted in an age 300 ka (Thiel et al. 2011b). The section Gttweig-Aigen is located in a sunken path near the village of Aigen, where a pedocomplex correlated with the Paudorfer Bodenbildung is exposed (Fink 1976; Fig. 2: 4b). The pedocomplex (unit GII-3) is truncated in its upper parts, as indicated by the lack of an A horizon and a layer of 30 cm thick reworked loess (unit GII-2) covering the soil. Yellowish brown loess (GII-1) is present on top of the redeposited material and below the paleosol (GII-4). The loess unit GII-1 (Table 1, sample 1408) 0.6 m above the Paudorfer Bodenbildung was dated to 34 3 ka (Thiel et al. 2011b). For the carbonate rich silty loess (unit GII-4), sampled 0.6 m below the Paudorfer Bodenbildung (i.e. 2.45 m below top ground surface), an age of 124 25 ka was obtained. 2.6 Langenlois The study site is located about 7 km north-east to the city of Krems (Fig. 1) in the area of the Kremser Feld. The loess was deposited in a bay-like depression (Kremser Bucht), which was formed tectonically (Wessely 2006). Gtzinger (1936) made note of the up to 20 m thick loess sequences at the southern edge of the plateau, whereas Piffl (1955) observed even thicker loess deposition at the easterly slopes of the Kremser Feld. The north-exposed wall of the former brickyard in Langenlois was briefly described by

Piffl (1976). In the former brickyard of Langenlois (Fig. 1), fluvial and aeolian deposits are present (Piffl 1976). Until now, for the loess exposures around the market town of Langenlois only few data exist (Smolkov 2003; Fladerer et al. 2005). Profile LB2: the fluvial sequence The sediment succession at the east exposed wall of the former brickyard in Langenlois clearly shows a transition from fluvial to eolian deposition (Fig. 2: 5a). The loamy deposits of LB 2/10 display a paleo-surface on which fluvial gravels and sands (LB 2/9 and LB 2/8) were deposited. The fluvial deposits of LB 2/8 include mammal bones, which are mostly in their original anatomical relationships. From a taphonomical point of view it is evident that sedimentation and deposition of carcasses of dead animals or their parts have taken place synchronously during very rapid channel sedimentation without significant relocation (Thiel et al. 2011c). The assemblage speaks in favour of interglacial conditions, but the actual status of taxonomic research does not allow a closer attribution than Middle Pleistocene. The soil sediment LB 2/7 is superimposed on the fluvial deposits of LB 2/8. It is covered by gravels and sands LB 2/56, which reveal another fluvial deposit in the study area. On top of LB 2/5 a redeposited loam is present (BL 2/4) overlain by a weak paleosol horizon (LB 2/3), which corresponds to an interstadial soil. The uppermost horizons are disturbed by intense land use. Horizon LB 2/10 was dated to >300 ka (Thiel et al. 2011c; Table 1). The authors emphazised that the derived luminescence age is close to or even beyond the dating limit despite great improvements in latest dating techniques. Thus, a more accurate age cannot be presented. For the fluvial deposits (LB 2/9) luminescence dating resulted in an age of 246 29 ka (Thiel et al. 2011c). Profile LB5: the eolian sequence The loess sequence is subdivided by three Cryosols (Reductaquic) (LB 5/6, LB 5/8, LB 5/16) indicating permafrost and associated retention of water (Fig.2: 5b). An initial soil horizon with a weak brownish color is present in the upper part of the sequence (LB 5/4). A cultural layer containing charcoal fragments can be seen in the lower parts of the profile (LB 5/12). The record ends with a thick loess strata situated below modern soil sediments. The dating results indicate that the eolian sequence formed from ~55 ka until ~35 ka (Thiel et al. 2011c; Table 1). The loess unit LB 5/15 was dated to 53 4 ka and for unit LB 5/10 an age of 41 4 ka was obtained. The dating of the approximately 1 m thick homogenous loess of unit LB 5/5 resulted in the same age. The uppermost loess unit (LB 5/3) was dated to 35 2 ka. 3 discussion Upper to Middle Last Glacial ages have been obtained in the profiles of Joching, Stratzing and Stillfried. The youngest loess (16 2 ka; Table 1) was found in the upper parts of the sequence in Joching (Fig. 2). Such young loess is exceptional when compared with other loess/paleosol sequences
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in this area; the dating results indicate intense loess deposition between ~28 ka and ~35 ka. Somewhat younger are the upper profile sections of Stillfried, which were dated by 14C method. In Stillfried ages of 24,430 730 yr BP and 22,840 870 yr BP were obtained. Earlier TL-studies of Zller et al. (1994) proved younger ages in the upper parts of the Stillfried B sequence. Alltogether, the sequence in Joching clearly shows that there was loess deposition during the Upper Wrmian Pleniglacial. Considering the somewhat older ages in other studied profiles, it can be assumed that erosional processes led to the removal of younger deposits. Soil formation between ~28 ka and ~35 ka resulted in Cryosols, respectively. Hence, in the studied profiles, there is no evidence for more intense, interstadial pedogenesis in this time span. In the sequence of Willendorf, thin humic horizons are designated to interstadial periods (Haesaerts et al. 1996; Nigst et al. 2008). However, there was proof of only one humic horizon in the sequence of Stratzing (Thiel et al. 2011a), which is not allocated to an interstadial period. Related to the presented 14C-datings, the age of the paleosol complex in the key section of Stillfried B remains still unclear. It has to be discussed, that published datings are different from each other, measured with variable methods, and uncertainities in the position of samples and sample preparation have to be considered as well. In general 14 C-datings are not calibrated in the literature and thus hardly comparable to luminescence results. However, in Upper Austrian loess profiles there is evidence of intens interstadial pedogenesis at about 29 ka (Terhorst et al. 2002). The following age cluster lies in the Middle Pleniglacial between ~35 ka and ~57 ka and in that case, one can find primarily loess sediments. Weak and thin Cryic horizons and the loess layers provide evidences for a cold glacial climate. Furthermore, a prominent colluvial layer in form of pellet sands is present in Joching (47 3 ka). It is underlain by an interstadial brown paleosol of unknown age. At the sequence in Stratzing differences between former radiocarbon datings and latest luminescence ages are observed. The discrepancy for the central part of the profile (ST 14 and ST 15) is due to redeposition processes and incorporation of older soil material in the slope position. In this context, it has to be highlighted that luminescence dating techniques constrain the time of deposition of sediment, whereas radiocarbon ages refer to the death of an organism. The sediment can therefore be older than incorporated, anthropogenic buried charcoal, wood or artifacts. Controversy may also have arisen because neighboring outcrops were dated, and thus a correlation of individual horizons is hampered. For the investigations the absence of ages between ~55 ka and ~106 ka it is indicative and might record long lasting and intensive erosion processes in the loess landscape. An age of 106 +/- 12 ka was obtained from the loess on top of the Paudorfer Bodenbildung (Thiel et al., 2011b), which is equivalent to the Stilllfried A complex. Immediately below this pedocomplex ages of 124 25 ka (Gttweig-Aigen), 159 20 ka (Paudorf 1), and 170 16 ka (Joching) were obtained for the loess. Other sediments older than MIS 5 but younger than MIS 7
276

were detected in Gttweig-Furth and Paudorf 2. Concerning the older sediments there are discontinuities, which might be due to the low sampling resolution. However, it is also evident that Lower Austrian loess sequences exhibit great hiatus as shown in Stratzing and Gttweig-Aigen (see Havliek et al. 1998). The sequence Langenlois 2 shows an age of 246 50 ka in its basal fluvial deposits. This age is close to the beginning of MIS 7 (Lisiecki & Raymo 2005) and gives an approximation for the faunal remains at this site, which stand for forest to park-like paleoenvironmental conditions and might reflect the beginning of an interglacial (Thiel et al. 2011c). The next older dating results stand for minimum ages in the range of the given constraints of the dating method. Stratzing and Langenlois record ages of >300 ka for the basal parts, and Gttweig is with an result of 350 ka in consistence with older age estimates of Kovanda et al. (1994). All gathered information in the study sites give evidence of numerous and intensive land forming processes in form of erosion and redeposition. references
Antl-Weiser, W., Fladerer, F.A., Peticzka, R., Stadler, F.C. & Verginis, S. (1997): Ein Lagerplatz eiszeitlicher Jger in Grub bei Stillfried. Archologie sterreichs, 8/1: 420. Bayer, J. (1927): Der Mensch im Eiszeitalter, I. und II. Teil. Wien (Deutike). Boehmker, R. (1917): Exkursionsfhrer fr Stillfried an der March. p. 1359, Braunmller, Wien. Dppes, D. & Rabeder, G. (1997): Pliozne und pleistozne Faunen sterreichs. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 10: 1411. Einwgerer, T., Friesinger, H., Hndel, M., Neugebauer-Maresch, C., Simon, U. & Teschler-Nicola, M. (2006): Upper Paleolithic infant burials. Nature, 444: 285. Fink, J. (1954): Die fossilen Bden im sterreichischen Lss. Quartr, 6: 85108. Fink, J. (1956): Zur Korrelation der Terrassen und Lsse in sterreich. Eiszeitalter und Gegenwart, 7: 4977. Fink, J. (1962): Studien zur absoluten und relativen Chronologie der fossilen Bden in sterreich. II; Weitzelsdorf und Stillfried. Archaeologia Austriaca, 31: 118. Fink, J. (1976): Exkursion durch den sterreichischen Teil des nrdlichen Alpenvorlandes und den Donauraum zwischen Krems und Wiener Pforte. Erweiterter Fhrer zur Exkursion aus Anlass der 2. Tagung der IGCP-Projektgruppe Quaternary Glaciations in the Northern Hemisphere. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1: 1113. Fink, J. (1978): Exkursion durch den sterreichischen Teil des nrdlichen Alpenvorlandes und den Donauraum zwischen Krems und Wiener Pforte. Ergnzungen zu Band 1. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreicher Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien. Fladerer, F. A. (2001): Die Faunareste von Krems-Wachtberg, Ausgrabung 1930. Jagdwild und Tierkrpernutzung an der Donau vor 27.000 Jahren. Mitteilungen der Prhistorischen Kommission der sterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Phil.-hist. Kl., 39: 197. Fladerer, F.A., Havlek, P., Roetzel, R., Salcher, T., Smolkov, L. & Tuzar, J. (2005): Der Steppenwisentfund (Bison priscus) von Langenlois-Buriweg, Niedersterreich Palontologische und pleistoznstratigrafische Untersuchungen. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, 14: 2940. Frank, C. (1997): Stillfried-Typusprofile. In: Dppes, D. & Rabeder, G. (Eds.): Pliozne und pleistozne Faunen sterreichs. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissensenschaften, 10: 123130, Verlag der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Wien. Frank, C. & Rabeder, G. (1997): Klimageschichte des sterreichischen Plio-Pleistozns. In: Dppes, D. & Rabeder, G. (Hrsg.): Pliozne und pleistozne Faunen sterreichs. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr

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Quartrforschung der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 10: 375380. Gtzinger, G. (1936): Das Lgebiet um Gttweig und Krems an der Donau. Fhrer fr die Quartr-Exkursionen in sterreich, 1: 111. Haesaerts, P., Damblon, F., Bachner, M. & Trnka, G. (1996): Revised stratigraphy and chronology of the Willendorf II sequence, Lower Austria. Archaeologia Austriaca, 80: 2542. Hndel, M., Simon, U., Einwgerer, T. & Neugebauer-Maresch, C. (2008): Loess deposits and the conservation of the archaeological record. The Krems-Wachtberg example. Quaternary International, 198: 4650. Haslinger, E. & Heinrich, M. (2008): Der Rote Aufschluss von Langenlois. Pedogenese und Mineralogie von Paloboden-Sequenzen ber Amphibolit. Abhandlungen der Geologischen Bundesanstalt Wien, 62: 7179. Haslinger, E., Smolikov, L., Havliek, P., Roetzel, R., Heinrich, M., Holsek, O., Vachek, M. & Ottner, F. (2009): Pedological and geochemical investigations at the Red Outcrop of Langenlois (Lower Austria). E&G Quaternary Science Journal, 58(2): 135147. Havliek, P., Holsek, O., Smolkov, L., Roetzel, R. (1998): Zur Entwicklung der Quartrsedimetne am Sdostrand der Bhmischen Masse in Niedersterreich. Jahrbuch der Geologischen Bundesanstalt, 141: 5172. IUSS Working Group WRB (2006): World Reference Base for Soil Resources. World Soil Resources Reports, 103p. FAO, Rome Kovanda, J., Smolkov, L. & Horek, I. (1995): New data on four classic loess sequences in Lower Austria. Antropozoikum, 22: 6385. Lisiecki, L. E. & Raymo, M. E. (2005): A Pliocene-Pleistocene stack of 57 globally distributed benthic 18O records. Paleoceanography, 20: 117. Niederhuber, M. (1997): Stratzing/Krems-Rehberg. In: Dppes, D. & Rabeder, G.: Pliozne und pleistozne Faunen sterreichs. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 10: 5661. Neugebauer-Maresch, C. (1993): Zur altsteinzeitlichen Besiedlungsgeschichte des Galgenberges von Stratzing/Krems-Rehberg. Archologie sterreichs, 4: 1019. Neugebauer-Maresch, C. (ed.) (2008): Krems-Hundssteig Mammutjgerlager der Eiszeit. Ein Nutzungsareal palolithischer Jgerund Sammler(-innen) vor 41.00027.000 Jahren. Mitteilungen der Prhistorischen Kommission der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 67: 348 pp. Nigst, P. R., Viola, T.B., Haesaerts, P. & Trnka, G. (2008): Willendorf II. In: Venus08 - Art and Lifestyle, Symposium Vienna 10.14. November 2008. Wissenschaftliche Mitteilungen aus dem Niedersterreichischen Landesmuseum, 19: 3158. Noll, M., Leitner-Wild, E. & Hille, P. (1994): Thermoluminescence dating of loess deposits at Paudorf, Austria. Quaternary Geochronology (Quaternary Science Reviews), 13: 473476. Peticzka, R., Riegler, D. & Holawe, F. (2009): Exkursionsfhrer der 28. Jahrestagung des Arbeitskreises Palopedologie der Deutschen Boden-

kundlichen Gesellschaft. Universitt Wien (unpublished; http://www. dbges.de/wb/pages/arbeitsgruppen/palaeopedologie/aktivitaeten.php). Peticzka, R., Holawe, F., Riegler, D. (2010): Structural analyses on the modified paleosol-sequence of Stillfried B with high resolution measurements of selected laboratory parameters. Quaternary International, 222: 168177. Piffl, L. (1955): Exkursion von Krems bis Absberg. Verhandlungen der Geologischen Bundesanstalt, Sonderheft: 7078. Piffl, L. (1976): Stop 3/4: Ziegelwerk W Langenlois (Hammerer). In: Fink, J. (ed.): Exkursion durch den sterreichischen Teil des nrdlichen Alpenvorlandes und den Donauraum zwischen Krems und Wiener Pforte. Erweiterter Fhrer zur Exkursion aus Anlass der 2. Tagung der IGCP-Projektgruppe Quaternary Glaciations in the Northern Hemisphere. Mitteilungen der Kommission fr Quartrforschung der sterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1: 113 pp. Rgl, F. & Summesberger, H., (1978): Die geologische Lage von Stillfried. Forschungen in Stillfried, 3: 7586. Smolkov, L. (2003): Bericht 2002 ber Mikromorphologie, Typologie und Stratigraphie quartrer Bden vom Buriweg in Langenlois auf Blatt 38 Krems. Jahrbuch der Geologischen Bundesanstalt, 143/3: 506507. Smolkov, L. & Havlek, P. (2007): Bericht 2005 und 2006 ber mikromorphologische Untersuchungen von quartren Bden im Gebiet des unteren Kamptales auf den Blttern 21 Horn und 38 Krems. Jahrbuch der Geologischen Bundesanstalt, 147/34: 682683. Terhorst, B., Frechen, M. & Reitner, J. (2002): Chronostratigraphische Ergebnisse aus Lprofilen der Inn- und Traun-Hochterrassen in Obersterreich. Zeitschrift fr Geomorphologie N.F., 127: 213232. Thiel, C., Buylaert, J.-P., Murray, A. S., Terhorst, B., Hofer, I., Tsukamoto, S. & Frechen, M. (2011a): Luminescence dating of the Stratzing loess profile (Austria) Testing the potential of an elevated temperature post-IR IRSL protocol. Quaternary International, 234: 2331. Thiel, C., Buylaert, J.-P., Murray, A. S., Terhorst, B., Tsukamoto, S. & Frechen, M. (2011b): Investigating the chronostratigraphy of prominent palaeosols in Lower Austria using post-IR IRSL dating. E&G Quaternary Science Journal, accepted. Thiel, C., Terhorst, B., Jaburov, I., Buylaert, J.-P., Murray, A. S., Fladerer, F. A., Damm, B., Frechen, M. & Ottner, F. (2011c): Sedimentation and erosion processes in Middle to Late Pleistocene sequences exposed in the brickyard of Langenlois/Lower Austria. Geomorphology. DOI 10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.02.011. Vogel, J. C. & Zagwijn, W. H. (1967): Groningen radiocarbon dates VI. Radiocarbon, 9: 63106. Wessely, G. (2006): Geologie der sterreichischen Bundeslnder, Niedersterreich. 416 S., Wien (Geologische Bundesanstalt). Zller, L., Oches, E.A., McCoy, W.D. (1994): Towards a revised chronostratigraphy of loess in Austria with respect to key sections in the Czech Republic and in Hungary. Quaternary Geochronology (Quaternary Science Reviews), 13: 465472.

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This section of the special volume of E&G Quaternary Science Journal published for the XVIII INQUA congress in Bern 2011 includes four articles dealing with the Quaternary stratigraphy of the Northern Alpine Foreland. It has to be remembered that the Northern Alpine Foreland played an important role in scientific history of Quaternary research. It was in Switzerland where the theory of Quaternary glaciations was originally developed in the early 19th century by Ignatz Venetz and others, before it got later globally promoted by Louis Agassiz. In Southern Germany, Albrecht Penck and Eduard Brckner set a landmark at the dawn of the 20th century by introducing the first complex stratigraphy of Quaternary glaciations, with the famous subdivision into four glaciations named Gnz, Mindel, Riss and Wrm, separated by interglacials. In 1990, the working group on Quaternary Stratigraphy of the Alpine Foreland (AGAQ) was established under the lead of Karl-Albert Habbe (19282003). The aim of this group is to improve correlations of stratigraphic schemes in different regions of the Northern Alpine Foreland. After 20 years of work, the XVIII INQUA congress 2011 in Bern is considered as the most appropriate occasion to present the work of AGAQ to an international audience. The four contributions from Switzerland, Southern Germany (Baden-Wrttemberg, Bavaria) and Austria review and discuss regional stratigraphic schemes in detail. It has been the aim to present particular field evidences forming the basis of the subdivision of the Quaternary. Authors were given the possibility to present their arguments in detail and argue towards relevant specialities of local Quaternary stratigraphic schemes. It is important to note that all the stratigraphic schemes presented are actually used in the maps of the different Geological Surveys. We thank the referees for the sometimes difficult task of reviewing papers that are beyond the norm usually found in scientific journal, for example with regard to length. It is a difficult task to decipher the problems of different approaches, assumptions and natural environments in the papers. May the following figures and tables offer some preliminary ideas: Fig. 1 gives an overview of the investigated areas. Fig. 2 displays a section through the investigated areas. Tab. 1 opposes the titles of the presented papers, main targets of the authors and main stratigraphic

approaches. Tab. 2 gives information about important investigated subjects and Tab. 3 summarizes the relation to the scientific work of Albrecht Penck. We can assume - that it is a strange idea to divide and investigate the Alpine ice cap along countrys frontiers (Fig. 1). - that during the last glacier maximum the Alpine ice was not equally shared in the Alpine Forelands of Switzerland, Baden-Wrttemberg, Bavaria and Austria (Fig. 2). - that details of stratigraphical approaches differ (Tab. 1) - that glacial, proglacial and periglacial environments are not equally assessed (Tab. 2) - that axioms are the base of our research (Tab. 3) - that before the correlation of different stratigraphical results the basic axioms, points of view and the investigated subjects have to be examined. One of our numerous questions about correlation concerns the outline of the formerly glaciated areas: it is well accepted that major glaciers react more slowly to climate change than small glaciers. Is it meaningful to compare our observations of terminal moraines from the giant foreland glaciers in the west to the small valley glaciers in the east? Definitely we have to go on with our (working group) discussions! And the four presented papers offer exiting details about local scientific approaches, scope, chronology, stratigraphy and landscape developments! Thank you very much all the colleagues, who supported this volume: Frank Preusser for networking and special advice! Reviewers for many valuable comments! Geozon handled the manuscripts professionally! Helene PfalzSchwingenschlgl (Universtt fr Bodenkultur Wien) designed several drawings! DEUQUA president Margot Bse and the DEUQUA steering committee offered generously to publish in E&G! Members of AGAQ (www.baunat.ac.at) discussed stratigraphy during 20 years. Last but not least INQUA congress president Christian Schlchter helped, encouraged and provided (together with his team) the fantastic international audience during INQUA congress 2011 in Berne (Switzerland)! Thanks a lot! Markus Fiebig Chair of the AGAQ community

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BadenWrttembg.
Ellw. et al. Fig.1

Doppler et al. Fig.1

Bavaria Austria

Vienna

France
Bern

Switzerland
Van Husen et al. Fig.1

Preusser et al. Fig.1

Last Glacier Maximum


45

10

15

Fig. 1: Contemplating the Alpine ice cap, we notice that Switzerland was almost entirely covered by ice during the last glacier maximum (in light blue). Preusser et al. focused on the northern part of Switzerland in their contribution. In Austria the last glacier maximum covered only the western, inner alpine part of the country (dark blue). Baden-Wrttemberg and Bavaria were covered by ice only in their southern most parts. The investigated Rhine glacier area (Fig. 1 of Ellwanger et al.) is in comparison to the other formerly four glaciated and investigated areas smaller. However, all countries intersect in the Rhine glacier area. It is the transition zone between Rhenish drainage to the west (and north) and Danubian drainage to the east. Abb. 1: Beim Betrachten der alpine Eiskappe (whrend der letzten Eiszeit) fllt zunchst auf, dass die Schweiz annhernd komplett vergletschert war (in hellblau dargestellt). Der Artikel von Preusser et al. beschftigt sich hauptschlich mit dem ehemaligen Nordrand dieser Vergletscherung. In sterreich bedeckten die Gletscher whrend des letzten Maximalstands vor allem westliche und inneralpine Landesteile (in dunkelblau dargestellt). Baden-Wrttemberg und Bayern waren nur in den sdlichsten Anteilen eisbedeckt. Das Rheingletschergebiet (vgl. Abb. 1, Ellwanger et al.) ist deutlich kleiner als die anderen untersuchten Gebiete. Aber gerade in diesem kleineren Untersuchungsgebiet treffen die vier untersuchten Lnder zusammen. Dieses Gebiet ist gleichzeitig auch der bergangsbereich zwischen der Rheinischen Entwsserung nach Westen (und Norden) und der Danubischen Entwsserung nach Osten.

W
1500

E
Switzerland
Wallis-Aare glacier Zrichsee glacier

BadenWbg.
Lech-Wertach glacier

1500

Bavaria
Isar-Loisach glacier Inn-Chiemsee glacier Salzach glacier

Austria
1250

1250

Napf-Bergland

Rhein glacier

Iller glacier

Hausruck

Traun

Enns

Ybbs

1000

1000

Last Glacier Maximum

750

750

500

500

Northern Alpine Molasse Basin

250
profile

B
Munich

250

B-W
0m NN

CH
100 km

0m NN
Alpine Area N

Genf

-250 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 km

-250

Fig. 2: A section through the Alpine Foreland in front of the tectonic Alpine border during the last glacier maximum. The section displays the thick ice cover in the western Rhenish part. The foreland ice thins out to the east. This difference of ice extent seems to be controlled by Alpine topography and precipitation and it is an open question if stratigraphic correlations between the eastern and western Alpine Foreland are straightforward. Abb. 2: Ein Schnitt durch das Alpenvorland vor der Front der tektonischen Alpenstirn whrend des letzten Gletschermaximalstands. Der Schnitt zeigt die mchtige Eisbedeckung im westlichen rheinisch entwssernden Teil. Nach Osten dnnt das Vorlandeis aus. Dieser Unterschied in der Eisbedeckung drfte durch die alpine Gebirgstopographie und die Niederschlagsverteilung ausgelst worden sein und wirft die Frage auf, ob einfache Korrelationen zwischen dem westlichen und dem stlichen Teil mglich sind.
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Tab. 1: A comparison of title, main target and main stratigraphic systems based on the authors own assessment in the abstracts. To study abstracts and titles is naturally a first approach to understand main thoughts and concerns of the authors. For example, the titles indicate that Preusser et al. and Ellwanger et al. focus more on local earth history while Doppler et al. and van Husen & Reitner present their nomenclature and system. To correlate stratigraphic results is not simple and needs careful examination of the authors point of view and of the investigated subjects. Tab. 1: Ein Vergleich der Titel, der angepeilten Inhalte und der hauptschlichen stratigraphischen Gliederungsanstze basierend auf dem Textkondensat der Autoren in Form ihrer jeweiligen Text-Zusammenfassungen. Den Titel und den Abstrakt einer Publikation als erstes zu lesen ist natrlich der normale Zugang zu Publikationen. Genaueres Studium dieser Zusammenfassungen kann vor allem beim Vergleichen hnlicher Artikel zu besonders betonten Aspekten fhren. Ein einfaches Beispiel: schon vom Titel her scheinen Preusser et al. und Ellwanger et al. vor allem die Landschafts- und Erdgeschichte mit ihren Artikeln vermitteln zu wollen. Doppler et al. und van Husen & Reitner drften dagegen ihre stratigraphischen Begrifflichkeiten und das dazugehrige System (der Geologischen Karten) hauptschlich im Sinn gehabt haben. Solche unterschiedlichen (Text-)Anstze zu korrelieren ist weder simpel, noch kann dabei auf ein genaues Studium der subjektiven Ausgangspunkte der Bearbeiter und der objektiven Unterschiede der untersuchten Objekte verzichtet werden. Papers (this volume)
Status 30.04.11

Preusser et al. Quaternary glaciation history of northern switzerland to present a revised glaciation history of northern switzerland Mn 17, glacial cycle comprises.. independent glacial advances, radiocarbon chronology

ellwanger et al. the Quaternary of the southwest German alpine Foreland (BodenseeOberschwaben) the glacial sediments and landforms are described by units in Baden-Wrttemberg chronostratigraphical system, lithostratigraphic system, a system of unconformity bounded sedimentary units, terrace stratigraphy

DoPPler et al. Quaternary stratigraphy of southern Bavaria a review of current stratigraphical systems of southern Bavaria Climate and terrace stratigraphy, traditional classification after penCk & BrCkner (19011909) and its enhancements , so-called morphostratigraphy,

van Husen & reitner

title of the paper

an outline of the Quaternary stratigraphy of austria an overview of the Quaternary stratigraphy in austria is given Mappable depositional units, lithostratigraphy (lithic properties), allostratigraphy (e.g. unconformities), paleomagnetically correlated Marine isotope stages (Mis)

Main target of the paper mentioned in the abstract

Main stratigraphical systems mentioned in the abstract

Tab. 2: Main investigated sedimentary units, landscape elements and landscape developments (again based on the authors own assessment in the abstracts). As the investigated landscapes are different the authors observe and value different subjects. For example Deckenschotter seems to be a very important key word in the west (Preusser et al., Ellwanger et al.). Loess and loess-paleosol-sequences seem to be crucial for the stratigraphy of Austria. The investigated landscape has an impact on researchers approach to stratigraphy. Tab. 2: Hauptschlich untersuchte Sedimente, Landschaftselemente und Landschaftsentwicklungen (wiederum auf der Basis der Textkondensate der Autoren in Form ihrer jeweiligen Text-Zusammenfassungen). Da die untersuchten Landoberflchen unterschiedlich sind, haben die Autoren unterschiedliche Beobachtungen gesammelt und bewerten diese Objekte unterschiedlich. Zum Beispiel Deckenschotter scheinen ein ganz wichtiges Stichwort fr die Stratigraphie im Westen zu sein (Preusser et al., Ellwanger et al.). Lss und Lss-Paloboden-Sequenzen sind offenbar sehr wichtige und tragende Elemente der Stratigraphie in sterreich. Solche unterschiedlichen Landschaften drften einen Einfluss auf den Zugang der WissenschaftlerInnen zur Stratigraphie haben. Authors Papers (this volume)
Status 30.04.11

Preusser et al. multiphase gravels intercalated by till and overbank deposits (Deckenschotter), two complex units (Hhere tiefere Deckenschotter)..

ellwanger et al.

DoPPler et al.

van Husen & reitner

important sedimentary units mentioned in the abstract

fluvial gravels (Deckenschotter), glacial and meltwater deposits, glacial till

continental deposits

fluvial accumulation and loess deposition.., loess-paleosolsequences.., ..proglacial sediments topped by basal till

Main landscape elements mentioned in the abstract

alpine rhine, differences in the base level.., most extensive glaciation

Bodensee amphitheatre, rhineglacier, alpine rhine valley, terrace levels

terrace sequences were crucial..., terminal moraines constitute Glaziale serien with associated terraces

terminal moraines linked with terrace bodies, major glaciations

Main (local) landscape development mentioned in the abstract

Deckenschotter are separated from Middle pleistocene by a period of important erosion re-direction of the alpine rhine...(Middle pleistocene reorganisation, Middle-late pleistocene comprises 4 or 5 glaciations

transformation of alpine margin from a ramp of foothills to overdeepened amphitheatre, evolving alpine source, foothill landscape towards present topography..

no explicit landscape development in the focus of the abstract

no explicit landscape development mentioned, climate deteriorations and consequently glaciations

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Tab.3: Albrecht Penck (18581945) provided in his publications axioms for Quaternary research like the base level concept. In the Bavarian Alpine foreland he derived his model of four glaciations. In the text body by Doppler et al. addicted about 13 % of all their mentioned citations to Penck. In the other papers between 5.6 and 7.8 % of citations are dedicated to Penck. Use of Pencks paradigm is still a very important factor. His scientific legacy includes famous local studies and general orientations for several generations of researchers. Tab. 3: Albrecht Penck (18581945) lieferte in seinen Publikationen grundlegende Annahmen (Axiome) fr die nachfolgende Quartrforschung wie zum Beispiel das so genannte Leitfossil der Penckschen Quartrstratigraphie: die Schotterunterkante. Im Bayerischen Alpenvorland hat er sein Modell der vier Eiszeiten abgeleitet. Doppler et al. haben 13 % ihrer Zitate im Text Penck gewidmet. In den anderen Publikationen weisen zwischen 5,6 und 7,8 % aller Zitate auf Penck hin. Die Penckschen Grundannahmen (Paradigmen) werden also auch 100 Jahre nach ihrer Publikation als sehr wichtig erachtet. Sein wissenschaftliches Vermchtnis enthlt neben generellen Leitlinien fr Forschergenerationen auch berhmt gewordene Detailstudien. Papers (this volume)
Status 30.04.11

Preusser et al. 70 (100 %) 1 (1.4 %) 125 (100 %) 7 (5.6 %)

ellwanger et al. 56 (100 %) 1 (1.8%) 115 (100 %) 9 (7.8 %)

DoPPler et al. 167 (100 %) 4 (2.4 %) 447 (100 %) 58 (13 %)

van Husen & reitner

total number of references penCk citations in references total number of citations in text body (without fig.) penCk citations in text

125 (100 %) 3 (2.4 %) 312 (100 %) 19 (6 %)

List of some participants of AGAQ meetings: Uwe Abramowski, Naki Akcar, Ali Aktas, Helga Altenschmidt, Erich Bauer, Raimo Becker-Haumann, Otfried Baume, Ute Bellmann, Christof Benz, Erhard Bibus, Lukas Bickel, Wolfgang Bludau, Ronny Boch, Wolfgang Boenigk, Sigmar Bortenschlager, Margot Bse, Karl Brunnacker, Bjrn Buggle, Katrin Bsel, Sixten Bussemer, Andreas Dehnert, Demel, Kathrin Dick, Georg Dietmair, Gerhard Doppler, Dostler, Ilse Draxler, Ruth Draxler, Ruth DrescherSchneider, Rudolf Ebel, Bernhard Eitel, Dietrich Ellwanger, Markus Felber, Wolfgang Fesseler, Lea Fixl, Thomas Forster, Horst Frank, Manfred Frechen, Burkhard Frenzel, Kurt Fromm, Gerhard Furrer, Dorian Gaar, Andreas Gerth, Benjamin Gelein, Willibald Gleich, Christian Gngi, Hansruedi Graf, Hans Graul, Walter Grottenthaler, Eberhard Grger, Thomas Gubler, Thomas Haag, Karl Albert Habbe, Torsten Hahn, Peter Haldimann, Ren Hantke, Philipp Huselmann, Klaus Heine, Hellrung, Matthias Hinderer, Raimund Hipp, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Hermann Jerz, Ulrich Jrin, Oskar Keller, Hanns Kerschner, Nicole Klasen, Maria Knipping, Hermann Kohl, Michael Ksel, Karl-Heinz Krause, Edgar Krayss, Ernst

Kroemer, Jrg Lmmermann-Barthel, Bernhard Lempe, Arne Link, Johanna Lomax, Manfred Lscher, Sven Lukas, Joachim Marcinek, Hella Marcinek-Kinzel, Holger Megies, Michael Meyer, Stefan Miara, Benjamin Mller, Erich Mller, Petra Mnzberger, Heinrich Naef, Inge Neeb, Peter Peschke, Gerhard Poscher, Frank Preusser, Ralf Ramsch, Jrgen Reitner, Anne Reuther, Konrad Rgner, Axel Rhrig, Christian Rolf, Silke Smann, Martin Sander, Ingo Schaefer, Gerhard Schellmann, Lorenz Scheuenpflug, Patrick Schielein, Wolfgang Schirmer, Christian Schlchter, Thomas Schneider, Philippe Schoeneich, Herbert Scholz, Guntram Schnfeld, Udo Schreiber, Albert Schreiner, Herbert Schwarz, Sergey Sedov, Andreas Sekinger, Peter Sinn, Joel Spencer, Christoph Sptl, Reinhard Starnberger, Sabine Stopper, Christa Szenkler, Birgit Terhorst, Robert Traidl, Rolf Tschumpes, Thomas Untersweg, Brigitte Urban, Dirk van Husen, Rainer Verderber, Eckhard Villinger, Gerhart Wagner, Johannes Wallner, Samuel Wegmller, Ralf Weinsziehr, Ulrike Wielandt-Schuster, Johann Wierer, Georg Wyssling, Conradin Zahno, Michael Zech, Roland Zech, Wolfgang Zech, Ludwig Zller, Gabi Zollinger

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Quaternary glaciation history of northern switzerland

Frank Preusser, Hans Rudolf Graf, Oskar keller, Edgar krayss, Christian Schlchter
A revised glaciation history of the northern foreland of the Swiss Alps is presented by summarising field evidence and chronological data for different key sites and regions. The oldest Quaternary sediments of Switzerland are multiphase gravels intercalated by till and overbank deposits (Deckenschotter). Important differences in the base level within the gravel deposits allows the distinguishing of two complex units (Hhere Deckenschotter, Tiefere Deckenschotter), separated by a period of substantial incision. Mammal remains place the older unit (Hhere Deckenschotter) into zone MN 17 (2.61.8 Ma). Each of the complexes contains evidence for at least two, but probably up-to four, individual glaciations. In summary, up-to eight Early Pleistocene glaciations of the Swiss alpine foreland are proposed. The Early Pleistocene Deckenschotter are separated from Middle Pleistocene deposition by a time of important erosion, likely related to tectonic movements and/or re-direction of the Alpine Rhine (Middle Pleistocene Reorganisation MPR). The Middle-Late Pleistocene comprises four or five glaciations, named Mhlin, Habsburg, Hagenholz (uncertain, inadequately documented), Beringen, and Birrfeld after their key regions. The Mhlin Glaciation represents the most extensive glaciation of the Swiss alpine foreland while the Beringen Glaciation had a slightly lesser extent. The last glacial cycle (Birrfeld Glaciation) probably comprises three independent glacial advances dated to ca. 105 ka, 65 ka, and 25 ka. For the last glacial advance, a detailed radiocarbon chronology for ice build-up and meltdown is presented. [Quartre vergletscherungsgeschichte der nrdlichen schweiz] Kurzfassung: Eine revidierte Vergletscherungsgeschichte des nrdlichen Vorlandes der Schweizer Alpen wird vorgestellt, basierend auf Feldbefunden und chronologischen Daten von verschiedenen Schlssellokalitten und Regionen. Die ltesten quartren Sedimente der Schweiz sind mehrphasige Kiese, in die Till und Hochflutsedimente eingeschaltet sind (Deckenschotter). Bedeutende Unterschiede im Basisniveau der Schotterablagerungen erlauben die Unterscheidung zweier komplex augebauter Einheiten (Hhere Deckenschotter, Tiefere Deckenschotter), die durch eine Phase bedeutender Einschneidung getrennt sind. Sugetierreste stellen die ltere Einheit (Hhere Deckenschotter) in die Zone MN 17 (2.61.8 Ma). Jeder der Komplexe enthlt Belege fr zumindest zwei, mglicherweise sogar bis zu vier eigenstndige Eiszeiten, woraus sich in Summe bis zu acht frhpleistozne Vergletscherungen des Schweizer Alpenvorlands ergeben. Die frhpleistoznen Deckenschotter sind von mittelpleistoznen Ablagerungen durch eine Zeit bedeutender Erosion getrennt, die wahrscheinlich durch tektonische Bewegungen und/oder eine Umleitung des Alpenrheins verursacht wurde (Mittelpleistozne Reorganisation MPR). Das Mittel-/Sptpleistozn beinhaltet vier oder fnf Eiszeiten, die nach ihren Schlsselregionen als Mhlin-, Habsburg-, Hagenholz- (unsicher, unzureichend belegt), Beringen- und Birrfeld-Eiszeit benannt sind. Die Mhlin-Eiszeit reprsentiert die grsste Vergletscherung des Schweizer Alpenvorlandes, whrend die BeringenEiszeit von nur wenig geringerer Ausdehnung war. Der letzte Glazialzyklus (Birrfeld-Eiszeit) umfasst wahrscheinlich drei eigenstndige Gletschervorstsse, die auf ca. 105 ka, 65 ka und 25 ka datiert wurden. Fr den letzten Eisvorstoss wird eine detaillierte Radiokohlenstoffchronologie fr den Eisaufbau und das Abschmelzen prsentiert. Alps, glaciation, stratigraphy, chronology, glacial deposits

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: F. Preusser *, Institut fr Geologie, Universitt Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1+3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland. Present address: Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden. E-Mail: frank.preusser@ natgeo.su.se; H. R. Graf, Dorfstrasse 40, 8014 Gchlingen, Switzerland; O. Keller, Brhlstrasse 90, 9320 Arbon, Switzerland; E. Krayss, Myrtenstrasse 9, 9010 St. Gallen, Switzerland; C. Schlchter, Institut fr Geologie, Universitt Bern, Baltzerstrasse 1+3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland. *corresponding author

1 introduction The Swiss Alps are the area where the theory of past glaciations of the lowlands was originally developed by Perraudin and published by Venetz (1833). The glaciation theory was later further elaborated and promoted by, for example, Agassiz (1837) and de Charpentier (1841), but it was again Venetz (1861) who brought up the idea that glaciers may have reached the lowlands several times in the past. The tetra-partition of the ice age was later internationally established by Penck & Brckner (1901/09) who observed four different levels of former out-wash plains in the Iller Valley, Bavaria, each of which is expected to represent a discrete glaciation. Proof of the glacial character of the gravel deposits is given by the connection of the
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younger three units to glacial series, i.e. terminal moraine ridges and glacial basins. The four glaciations deduced from this evidence have been named after small rivers in Bavaria (from old to young: Gnz, Mindel, Riss, and Wrm), and this stratigraphical scheme has been adopted at least for some time in many parts of the world. It is important to note that the original Penck & Brckner (1901/09) scheme was later modified and extended by three further glacial complexes (Donau: Eberl 1930; Biber: Schaefer 1957; Haslach: Schreiner & Ebel 1981). However, until now these stratigraphical units have not been recognised outside southern Germany. In Switzerland, the four-fold Penck & Brckner (1901/09) concept was widely accepted for a long time. It has been assumed that the four glaciations found in Bavaria

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Fig. 1: Overview map of the study in northern Switzerland, with the location of ice domes and ice flow directions (after Florineth 1998; Florineth & Schlchter 1998; Kelly et al. 2004), and the location of key regions and sites mentioned in the text (G = Greifensee; P = Pfffikersse; LG = Maximum extent of the Last Glaciation; MEG = Extent of the Most Extensive Glaciation). Abb. 1: bersichtskarte des Untersuchungsgebietes in der Nordschweiz mit der Lage von Eisdomen und Eisflussrichtungen (nach Florineth 1998; Florineth & Schlchter 1998; Kelly et al. 2004), sowie der Lage von Schlsselregionen und rtlichkeiten, die im Text vermerkt sind (G = Greifensee; P = Pfffikersse; LG = Maximale Ausdehnung der letzten Vergletscherung; MEG = Ausdehnung der Grssten Vergletscherung).

are represented by the morphological features of Low Terrace (Wrm), High Terrace (Riss), Tiefere Deckenschotter (Mindel), and Hhere Deckenschotter (Gnz). An alternative view of the glaciation history of the Swiss lowlands was introduced by Schlchter (1988), who combined geomorphological observations with detailed logging of sections and establishing lithostratigraphical models. According to this scheme, glaciers reached the lowlands of Switzerland at least 15 times during the Quaternary, which is much more often than previously assumed. This contribution aims at providing a comprehensive overview of the present knowledge of the Quaternary history of the northern foreland of the Swiss Alps, based on evidence for different key areas and sites (locations are given in Fig. 1). The oldest Quaternary deposits are the so-called Deckenschotter of northern Switzerland, which probably comprise the largest part of the Early Pleistocene development. The new terminology introduced by Graf (2009a) comprises five Middle to Late Pleistocene glaciations (from old to young): Mhlin, Habsburg, Hagenholz, Beringen, and Birrfeld. Evidences for this new stratigraphical scheme will be summarised and are mainly based on previous studies by Graf (2009a) and Keller & Krayss (2010). As correlations with the stratigraphic scheme of

Penck & Brckner (1901/09) are not yet reliably established, this article will desist from using nomenclature established for Bavaria. Detailed reviews of the Late Quaternary environmental history of the region and glacial dynamics are not given here, as these have already been provided by Preusser (2004) and Ivy-Ochs et al. (2008, 2009). 2 Geological, topographic and palaeo-glaciological setting The area considered here comprises the northern foreland of the Swiss Alps from the eastern edge of Lake Neuchtel in the west to the western banks of Lake Constance in the east (Fig. 1). The Alps that form the southern border of the study area consist mainly of limestone and other sediments in their outer parts, and a variety of different magmatic and metamorphic rocks in their inner parts. The petrography of pebbles and boulders found in glacial deposits in the foreland has been used to reconstruct past ice flow patterns. To the north, the region of interest is bounded by the chain of the Jura Mountains, with peaks reaching altitudes of up to 1700 m a.s.l. and consisting mainly of limestone. The Jura mountain range has acted as a barrier with a major impact on ice flow in the western part of the region. To the east,
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the Jura mountain range lowers and Jurassic limestone is finally covered by Molasse sediments. The latter is debris eroded from the emerging Alps during the Tertiary and consists mainly of modestly cemented sandy to silty rocks with some conglomerates. In general, the Molasse area is made up of rolling hills, but in many areas glacial and fluvial erosion have formed pronounced relief and major valley drainage networks. The central part of the study area is made up of the midlands of Emmental and the Napf Mountains, the latter reaching a maximum height of 1408 m a.s.l. This area also acted as a barrier during past glaciations and was, apart from local glaciations in the highest parts of the Napf Mountains, not covered by ice during the Last Glaciation (Schlchter 1987a; Bini et al. 2009; Fig. 1). Further to the east, the Hrnli Mountains similarly acted as a barrier dividing the Linth-Rhine Glacier and Lake ConstanceRhine Glacier during past glaciations (Keller & Krayss 2005a; Fig. 1). The entire northern foreland of the Swiss Alps, including the Lake Constance basin, is currently draining through the Hochrhein and the Upper Rhine Graben towards the North Sea (Fig. 1). In contrast, the foreland of the Bavarian and Austrian Alps drains through the River Danube towards the east, into the Black Sea. The reason for the much more pronounced relief in the Swiss Alpine foreland, compared to its continuation in the east, is probably due to the fact that the base level of the drainage is relatively low, with the subsiding Upper Rhine Graben, bounded to the east by the (still up-lifting?) massif of the Black Forest. Quaternary glaciations of the foreland of the Swiss Alps were characterised by networks of transection glaciers that flow from the accumulation areas in the high mountains

following major pre-existing valleys (Fig. 1). Florineth (1998), Florineth & Schlchter (1998), and Kelly et al. (2004) demonstrated for the Last Glaciation that several centres of ice accumulation existed to the south of the main alpine chain. This implies that moisture was transported from the south rather than the north, as is currently the case, indicating a significantly different atmospheric circulation pattern over central Europe during glacial times compared to the present (Florineth & Schlchter 2000). For the western part of our study area, the ice dome in the southern Valais was of major importance as it fed glaciers that flowed down-valley to Lake Geneva. There, part of the ice turned NE towards the Aare Valley, whereas the rest continued towards the SW following the Rhne Valley. In most previous studies, this ice mass was referred to as the Rhne Glacier. Kelly et al. (2004), however, have shown that Rhne Glacier sensu stricto (i.e. the present glacier located in the uppermost part of Valais) was blocked by ice from the southern Valais and was forced over Simplon Pass towards the south (Fig. 1). In the area of the city of Bern, a confluence situation of the Valais Glacier and Aare Glacier, the latter originating from the Bernese Oberland, existed during the Last Glaciation and possibly also during older glaciations. Further up-valley, part of Aare Glacier flowed over Brnig Pass to join the Reuss Glacier in Central Switzerland (Fig. 1). To the east, the Linth Glacier and the (western) Walensee branch of the Rhine Glacier joined and continued further to the north. The main (eastern) branch of the Rhine Glacier formed a large piedmont ice lobe at the eastern edge of the study area, covering the area of the present Lake Constance.

Fig. 2: Distribution of Deckenschotter in northern Switzerland (modified after Graf 1993, 2009b). Abb. 2: Verteilung der Deckenschotter in der Nordschweiz (modifiziert nach Graf 1993, 2009b).

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m a.s.l. 700

NW

SE

Wilmer Irchel Irchel Ebni

m a.s.l. 700

Steig

650
?.

650

600 1 km 550

600

550

Forenirchel-Schotter
(glaciofluvil gravel)

Steig-Schotter

(glaciofluvial gravel)

(gravel with caliche)

Langacher-Schotter Molasse

Hasli-Formation
(overband deposits)

Irchel-Schotter

(glaciofluvial gravel)

Fig. 3: Geological situation at Irchel (Hhere Deckenschotter; modified after Graf 1993). Abb. 3: Geologische Verhltnisse am Irchel (Hhere Deckenschotter; modifiziert nach Graf 1993).

3 Key sites and key regions 3.1 Early Pleistocene (deckenschotter glaciations) The oldest Pleistocene deposits of northern Switzerland, usually referred to as Deckenschotter, mainly consist of (glaciofluvial) gravel, with some intercalated glacial sediments (till) and overbank deposits. The present distribution of these deposits is between the easternmost part of the Jura Mountains (Lgern), the River Aare, the River Rhine, and Lake Constance (Graf 1993). Lesser remnants of these strata are found to the east of Lake Constance (Graf 2009b) as well as in some parts of northern Central Switzerland (Fig. 2). The remains of Deckenschotter are typically found forming the top of table mountains. The term Deckenschotter was originally introduced by Penck & Brckner (1901/09) for deposits from Bavaria, and refers to past gravel accumulation on a broad-spread plain at the front of Alpine lowland glaciation. The Deckenschotter of northern Switzerland, however, do not represent sheet-like gravel plain deposition on top of Molasse bedrock, but are the fills of several broad channels that are representing the past major drainage network of the northern Swiss Midlands (Graf 1993). Deckenschotter deposits are found at two distinct topographic levels, and are therefore subdivided into a higher (Hhere Deckenschotter) and a lower (Tiefere Deckenschotter) unit. Both units represent depositional complexes. The channels of the lower (younger) unit have the same major drainage direction as the higher (older) unit, but are more deeply incised into Jurassic limestone and Molasse bedrock. 3.1.1 irchel The Quaternary deposits at Irchel, a tabular hill in northernmost Switzerland (Fig. 1), are a typical example of

Hhere Deckenschotter (Graf 1993). The hill reaches for about 5 km from SE to NW, and Pleistocene deposits are found on top of Molasse bedrock, at an elevation between 620 m and 650 m a.s.l., thus about 300 m above the present drainage level. The Quaternary deposits are subdivided into five units, four of which represent glaciofluvial outwash-gravel (Fig. 3). Petrographical analyses indicate an origin of the sediment from the Walensee-Rhine-System. The oldest unit (Langacher-Schotter) contains a caliche-type palaeosol in its upper part that is characteristic for Mediterranean to dry-warm climatic conditions. The glaciofluvial gravel on top (Irchel-Schotter) is cut by a channel-like structure in the SE. This channel is filled by younger glaciofluvial gravel (Steig-Schotter) showing a prominent difference in petrography compared to the two older units. This implies that erosion was not a local phenomenon but rather indicates reorganisation of the entire drainage network. All over Irchel, the two previous units (Irchel-Schotter, Steig-Schotter) are covered by overbank and channel fill deposits of a meandering river system, with a thickness between 2 m and 7 m (Hasli-Formation). These deposits document a phase of warm environmental conditions of a flood plain. The overbank deposits bear land snails and, of particular importance, vertebrate remains. The presence of Mimomys cf. pliocaenicus, M. reidi/pitymyoides, Borsodia, and Lagurodon, together with the absence of Microtus, is interpreted to indicate a correlation with Mammalian Neogen zone (MN) 17 (Gelasian), representing an age of 2.61.8 Ma (Bolliger et al. 1996). The next unit of glaciofluvial gravel (Forenirchel-Schotter) found on top of the overbank deposits represents the youngest sediments at Irchel. Although no glacial deposits have been documented at this particular site, such sediments (i.e. till) are found within the younger units of similar deposits of Hhere Deckenschotter farther to the west (Graf 1993). There it
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NW
m a.s.l.

Cross section 1
92-4 92-2 92-1

SE
m a.s.l.

500

500

450

450

NE
m a.s.l.

Cross section 2
92-5 92-3 92-4 91-4

SW
m a.s.l.

500

91-5

500

450

450

Cover sediments Brengraben-Schotter


(glaciofluvial gravel)

Iberig-Schotter
(gravel and overbank deposits)

Palaesol

Wolfacher-Schotter
(glaciofluvial gravel)

Fig. 4: Geological situation at Iberig (Tiefere Deckenschotter; modified after Graf 1993). Abb. 4: Geologische Verhltnisse am Iberig (Tiefere Deckenschotter; modifiziert nach Graf 1993).

Brengraben-Till

Wolfacher-Till

Jurassic bedrock

has been shown that at least two units clearly represent phases when alpine glaciers reached far into the eastern part of the Swiss alpine foreland during the Early Pleistocene (considering that the Neogene/Quaternary boundary is now at 2.6 Ma). 3.1.2 iberig The deposits at Iberig, a hill in the lower Aare Valley near Wrenlingen, are situated at an elevation between 440470 m a.s.l. (Fig. 1). Topographically this level is significantly lower than the one at Irchel, and therefore the deposits are considered to be part of Tiefere Deckenschotter. Several drill holes revealed the presence of three glaciofluvial and two glacial units at this site (Fig. 4). From gravel petrography
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it is concluded that the lower till and the lower gravel unit (Wolfacher-Schotter, Wolfacher-Till) are genetically related. The middle gravel unit (Iberig-Schotter) reveals no petrographic relation to the glacigenic deposits, but the two upper units are again genetically related (Brengraben-Schotter, Brengraben-Till). Interestingly, the uppermost part of Iberig-Schotter includes overbank deposits and palaeosols. This indicates, firstly, that glacial deposition was separated by sedimentation during warmer periods, and, secondly, that the fluvial drainage level remained similar during the glacial and non-glacial times of this period. A similar threefold subdivision of Tiefere Deckenschotter is found along the River Rhine (Graf 1993), but a fourth gravel unit is found between Lake Constance and Klettgau as well as near Weiach (Stein-Schotter) (Graf 2009b). This

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channel system is cut into older deposits and indicates that Tiefere Deckenschotter reflect at least four phases of glaciofluvial deposition, for two of which the presence of glaciers in the Swiss lowlands is clearly documented by the presence of till. 3.2 middle and Late Pleistocene (basin glaciations) Middle and Late Pleistocene deposits outside the glacial limits are typically found as terrace bodies of glaciofluvial gravel along the drainage systems. Morphologically, a major differentiation has been made between the (older) High Terrace, mainly found at elevated positions up to several tens of metres above the valley floor, and the (younger) Low Terrace, usually only a few metres above the present river bed (cf. Kock et al. 2009). In the past, it has generally been assumed that the sediments of the two terrace systems have to be assigned exclusively to the Riss and Wrm Glaciation. However, Graf (2009a) has shown that both terrace units comprise sediments deposited during more than one glaciation and the most relevant evidences are summarised below. Interestingly, a complex deposition history of High Terrace aggradation has also been reported for Bavaria (Fiebig & Preusser 2003). Within the limits of former glaciation extent, the presence of several deep basins and valleys below the sub-surface has been identified by drillings and geophysics, mainly between Lake Constance and the Napf Mountains, but also in the Aare Valley (cf. Preusser et al. 2010). The basal parts of these troughs even reach below sea-level (Keller 1994; Preusser et al. 2010), and the fills mainly consist of glacial sediments. These overdeepened structures are usually interpreted to result from glacial carving, and there is evidence that many of these troughs have been repeatedly occupied and excavated by glaciers during the Middle and Late Pleistocene (Preusser et al. 2010). The multiphase basin archives, accessible only by drilling, have provided major insights into the Quaternary history of the Swiss lowlands, and summaries of the most important archives are given in the following overview.

3.2.1 mhlinerfeld Between the villages Mumpf and Rheinfelden, the present River Rhine forms a bend towards the north and bypasses an elevated plateau, known as Mhlinerfeld (Fig. 1). The Pleistocene deposits found here are attributed to the complex of the High Terrace. The surface of bedrock is about 80 m below present land surface, showing a channel-like structure. This reveals that the River Rhine ones flowed straight across Mhlinerfeld. The present course of the river established in the final phase of the penultimate glaciation. From the north, the Wehra Valley, one of the most prominent river valleys draining the Black Forest high plateau to the south, joins the Rhine Valley. Since Penck & Brckner (1901/09), Mhlinerfeld has been a reference for the so-called Most Extensive Glaciation of the Swiss Alpine foreland (cf. Schlchter 1988). Originally two individual moraine ridges were distinguished from surface morphology. Recent evidence from the analyses of outcrops and coring revealed that this interpretation is incorrect. The sediments overlying the bedrock are subdivided into several units (Fig. 5), of which the oldest are found in the gravel pit Bnten in the southern part of the area. This unit consists of glacial deposits, a lodgement till with alpine material (Bnten Till), representing the advance of an alpine glacier towards this area (Mhlin advance). The till is covered by glaciofluvial gravel (Bnten-Schotter), showing an alpine spectrum, but the pebbles and boulders at its base consist of material originating from the Black Forest. In the pit, the uppermost part of the gravel shows intense weathering and this soil is interpreted to reflect interglacial conditions. The following unit is again gravel of alpine origin (Wallbach-Schotter), and this and the lower units are deformed by glaciotectonics. Towards the north, another gravel unit (Mhlinerfeld-Schotter) is found on top of Wallbach gravel with an erosive contact. This gravel is dominated by alpine material but contains boulders and pebbles of Black Forest origin. The boulder horizon probably reflects the erosional remains of an intensively weathered till (Zeiningen-Till)

SW
Bnten gravel pit m a.s.l. Drill holes by Jckli AG (1964, 1966, 1971)

NE

400

268

414

412

?
184 383

250

Low Terrace gravel Loess Zeiningen-Till


(black forrest origin)

Mhlinerfeld-Schotter Wallbach-Schotter Bnten-Schotter

(gravel of alpine & black forrest origin) (glaciofluvial gravel, alpine origin) (glaciofluvial gravel, alpine origin)

Bnten-Till
(alpine origin)

Mesozoicum Palaeosol

Fig. 5: Geological situation at Mhlinerfeld (Mhlin glaciation; modified after Graf 2009a) Abb. 5: Geologische Verhltnisse auf dem Mhlinerfeld (Mhlin-Eiszeit; modifiziert nach Graf 2009a).

182

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287

River Rhine

413

350

4 11a

385

found in the southern part of the area, outcropping in the Bnten gravel pit. Petrography of this unit indicates an origin from the Wehra Valley, and indicates an advance of the Black Forest Glacier that reached all over Mhlinerfeld, and probably causing deformation of the two oldest gravel units mentioned above. The youngest unit consist of loess deposits with a thickness of up to 10 m.
m a.s.l.
620

Despite the fact that the original interpretation of the surface morphology representing two moraine ridges of the Most Extensive Glaciation (Penck & Brckner 1901/09) is contradicted by the sedimentological evidence (the ridges are entirely made up of loess), this area represents evidence of the furthest extent of alpine glaciation (Bnten-Till), the Mhlin Glaciation. 3.2.2 Aare valley

. . . .. . . .. . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .... . . .. . . . 600 . . . . . . . . . . .

. .. . . . .. . . .

Till Rotachewald-Grundmrane Glaciofluvial gravel with weathered horizon Obere Mnsingen Schotter Lacustrine silt Thalgut-Seetone Delta fore-sets Glaciolacustrine silts Waterlain till Gerzensee-Blockmorne Kirchdorf-Deltaschotter

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 580 . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . ... . . . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . 560 . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540 . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prograding glaciolacustrine/ glaciofluvial delta complex

520

500

Lacustrine deposits
(with Pterocarya and Fagus)

Jaberg-Seetone

480

460

Waterlain till

Fig. 6: Geological record of the Thalgut gravel pit and scientific drilling (redrawn after Schlchter 1989a,b). Abb. 6: Geologische Abfolge in der Kiesgrube und Forschungsbohrung Thalgut (umgezeichnet nach Schlchter 1989a,b).

This region comprises the middle reaches of the River Aare, i.e. the area between the margin of the Alps at Lake Thun and the narrows near the town of Olten, where the Aare for some part flows through Jurassic limestone (Fig. 1). For this article, evidence from sites in adjacent regions in Seeland, the Jura Mountains and the midlands of Emmental are included in this section. The sequence in the Thalgut gravel pit (Fig. 1) and its downward extension in a scientifically executed drill hole represent one of the most complex Quaternary succession of the Swiss lowlands (Fig. 6; Schlchter 1987a, 1989a, b). The lowest unit reached in the drill hole is composed of glacial sediments deposited in a lake (water-lain till), passing in to lacustrine deposits (Jaberg Seetone). The latter unit contains an interglacial pollen assemblage with a dominance of Fagus (beech, up to 58 %) and a prominent presence of Pterocarya (wingnut, up to 7 %) (Welten 1988). The lacustrine deposits are interpreted as bottom-sets and develop into the fore-sets of a prograding delta. In the upper part the fore-sets have a glacial character, as is indicated by the presence of boulders and diamictic, subaquatic mudflows. The top-sets of the delta sequence consist of coarse boulders and are covered by a subaquatically deposited till. The lake basin persisted after ice retreat, as is documented by deposition of laminated sandy silt. These fine-grained sediments are cut by an erosional surface showing a pronounced palaeo-relief. Soil development associated with this discontinuity is interpreted to represent at least one well-developed warm period. Coarse delta gravel was later deposited filling up the existing relief (Kirchberg-Deltaschotter), and it is interesting to note that deposition was

Fig. 7

Fig. 7: Upper part of the Thalgut section with luminescence ages (from Preusser & Schlchter 2004). Abb. 7: Oberer Teil des Profils von Thalgut mit Lumineszenzalter (aus Preusser & Schlchter 2004).

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Fig. 8: The geological record of the Meikirch 1981 scientific drilling with OSL ages and major pollen zones (modified after Preusser et al. 2005). Abb. 8: Geologische Abfolge der Forschungsbohrung Meikirch 1981 mit OSL Altern und Hauptpollenzonen (verndert nach Preusser et al. 2005).

by a stream almost perpendicular to the present drainage direction. The pebbles are re-worked Molasse bedrock and show few components from the Helvetikum and the Central Alps, implying that the gravel was not deposited by the Rivers Aare, Kander, or Simme. From the sedimentological point of view a close presence of a glacier during deposition appears unlikely. In its upper part, the gravel

shows a concordant transition via a sandy layer into silt (Thalgut Seetone) (Fig. 7). Based on pollen analysis and luminescence dating, this basin deposit is correlated with the Last Interglacial (Eemian) (Welten 1982; Preusser & Schlchter 2004). In parts of the gravel pit weathered gravel was situated at the top of the basin deposits, mainly eroded during deposition of the next gravel unit (Obere Mnsingen Schotter). The youngest gravel unit is topped by basal till (Rotachewald-Grundmorne), correlated with the Last Glaciation of the area (Schlchter 1989a,b). The weathered gravel above the basin deposits are, based on the petrography, interpreted to result from a glacier advance beyond the margin of the Alps. The age of this advance has to be younger than Eemian but must be significantly older than the last advance, as it shows intense weathering. Luminescence dating of sandy sediments on top of the interglacial deposits implies that the weathered gravel unit was probably deposited during an early phase of the last glacial cycle (Preusser & Schlchter 2004). Another important stratigraphical record of the Aare Valley is the scientific drill hole near Meikirch, north of Bern (Fig. 1). Here, fine-grained lake sediments are found below ca. 40 m of coarse-grained melt water deposits (Fig. 8). The lake sediments (ca. 70 m) are situated on top of glacial deposits (till). Detailed pollen analyses revealed evidence for three warm periods within the lake deposits, separated by two cold phases (Welten 1982, 1988). Based on luminescence dating and re-interpreting the original palynostratigraphy, Preusser et al. (2005) correlate these three warm phases, each of which represents interglacial environmental conditions, with Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7 (242186 ka). Hhenschotter, glaciofluvial gravel situated in elevated morphological positions, are considered as the oldest Quaternary deposits of the middle and upper Emmental (Gerber 1941) (Fig. 1). The sediments are found as relicts of partially cemented former channel fills and delta deposits on top of Molasse bedrock (Gerber 1950; Gruner 2001). The gravel is mainly composed of pebbles originating from the Aare Glacier, but also partially contains material derived from the Valais, mainly in the till on top of the glaciofluvial deposits. From its morphological position, sedimentation occurred during a glaciation of greater extent than the Last Glaciation, and has been considered to be older than Eemian. This minimum age estimate is supported by U/Th dating of calcite precipitates from the Landiswil gravel pit (Dehnert et al. 2010). Infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating of sandy parts of the delta deposits at the same site gave two ages of 153 16 ka and 160 14 ka (Dehnert et al. 2010). In the Jura Mountains, erratic boulders are found outside the limits of the Last Glaciation. Without any age control, these deposits have been tentatively correlated with either the Rissian Glaciation of Penck & Brckner (1901/09) or the Most Extensive Glaciation, thought to be older than 700 ka (Schlchter & Kelly 2000). A first study applying 10 Be and 21Ne surface exposure dating to four selected boulders from the Montoz anticline resulted in ages between ca. 70 ka and 170 ka (Graf et al. 2007). The younger ages of this data set were determined from two boulders of smaller size that had probably rotated in the past. As a consequence, Graf et al. (2007) consider it more likely that the larger boulders reflect the age of deposition. Using a conservative
289

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d Ran

en

Ice margin of Mhlin Glaciation

1 2 2 Beringen 2 Engi 4 6 Rhine 1 3 5 Schaffhausen 2

Rheinfall 1

10

20 km

Fig. 9: Pleistocene troughs in the area Schaffhausen-Klettgau (modified after Keller & Krayss 2010). 1: Upper Klettgau trough (Tiefere Deckenschotter), 2: Main Klettgau trough (Mhlin to Habsburg), 3: Neuhauserwald trough (Habsburg to Beringen), 4: Engi trough (Beringen, Birrfeld maximum), 5: Rheinfall trough (late Beringen to Birrfeld), 6: Present Rhine trough (since late Birrfeld). Abb. 9: Pleistozne Rinnen im Raum Schaffhausen-Klettgau (modifiziert nach Keller & Krayss 2010). 1: Obere Klettgau Rinne (Tiefere Deckenschotter), 2: Klettgau Hauptrinne (Mhlin bis Habsburg), 3: Neuhauserwald Rinne (Habsburg bis Beringen), 4: Engi Rinne (Beringen, Birrfeld Maximum), 5: Rheinfall Rinne (sptes Beringen bis Birrfeld), 6: Heutige Rinne des Rheins (seit sptem Birrfeld).

m a.s.l. 600

SW
Lusbel

Cross section 1

NE

m a.s.l. 600

(glaciofluvial gravel) (slope deposits)

Hardmorgen-Schotter Toktri-Formation Engiwald-Formation

BeringenBenzen Hardmorgen
500

(proglacial sediments and till) (fluvial to lacustrine deposits) (glaciofluvial gravel)

500

Schmerlet-Formation

Buechbrunnen-Schotter Benzen-Formation

400

400

(proglacial sediments and till) (glaciofluvial gravel)

Geisslingen-Schotter Hardau-Schotter Mesozoic

1 km
300 300

(glaciofluvial gravel)

m a.s.l. 600

Cross section 2
Lusbel

m a.s.l. 600

500

Schmerlet

500

Oberneuhus
400

400

1 km
300 300

Fig.10: Two cross sections through the Klettgau Valley (modified after Graf 2009a). Abb. 10: Zwei Querschnitte durch das Tal des Klettgau (modifiziert nach Graf 2009a). 290
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erosion rate of 3.0 0.5 mm a-1 results in age estimates of 143 17 ka (10Be) and 124 12 ka (21Ne), and of 163 21 ka (10Be) and 138 13 ka (21Ne), respectively. The gravel pit Finsterhennen is situated in the western part of the Aare Valley, also known as Seeland (Fig. 1). Exposed in this pit are till and pro-glacial meltwater deposits attributed to the Last Glaciation of the Swiss lowlands. The radiocarbon age of a mammoth tusk of 25370 190 14C yr (29650-30640 cal. BP) from the middle part of the glaciofluvial sediments is confirmed by Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) ages of 28.5 2.3 ka and 28.9 2.5 ka (Preusser et al. 2007). Interestingly, OSL dating of glaciofluvial sediments from below a residual till in the lower part of the exposure gave an age of 76 6 ka, indicating an ice advance of the Valais Glacier to this point during late MIS 5 or early MIS 4. Near the village Wangen an der Aare, two separated terminal moraine ridges are present, known as older and younger Wangen stage. The inner and hence younger stage has traditionally been correlated with the Last Glaciation and this assumption is confirmed by surface exposure dating of a large boulder near Steinhof (Fig. 1), giving a mean age of 20.1 1 ka (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2004). The age of the outer ridge is not known but loess-like cover sediments on top of the glacial deposits indicate that the glaciation responsible for the formation of the ridge has to be older than the Last Glaciation (Mailnder & Veit 2001). However, whether this represents an early Late Pleistocene glacial advance (e.g. MIS 4), an equivalent of MIS 6, or an even older glaciation, remains to be investigated. 3.2.3 Klettgau The present dry valley of Klettgau (Fig. 1) was during most of the Pleistocene part of the Rhine Valley before the river changed its course towards the south near the city of Schaffhausen (Fig. 9). Relicts of Tiefere Deckenschotter and some minor remnants of Hhere Deckenschotter are found in marginal parts of the valley. From gravel petrography these deposits indicate an origin from the Lake Constance-Rhine Glacier system, and document the active course of the River Rhine during most of the Pleistocene. The sediments of the valley bottom represent High Terrace deposits from the morphological point of view (Graf 2009a). The channel of Oberklettgau, with a base at 340 m a.s.l., contains a complex sedimentary fill (Fig. 10). The sequence starts with glaciofluvial sediments (Hardau-Schotter) that reach a thickness of up to 150 m. The gravel originates from the Lake Constance-Rhine Glacier, although the presence of ice in Klettgau is not documented for the time of gravel formation (Graf 2009a). An erosional trough was later incised into the gravel down to a level of 410 m a.s.l. In addition to the erosion along the valley axis, another channel originating from the south incised at the same time. This trough was later filled by glaciofluvial gravel (GeisslingenSchotter), with deposition in the eastern part originating from the Lake Constance-Rhine glacier, and in the southern channel from the Walensee branch of the Rhine glacier. The maximum ice extent during this phase (Hagenholz advance) was about 25 km SE of Klettgau, close to the present airport of Zurich (Graf 2009a).

The following phase of sedimentation (Beringen Glacial) is characterised by the direct presence of glaciers in Oberklettgau. The presence of the two branches of Rhine glacier (Lake Constance, Walensee) in the region is evidenced by petrography of the gravel. The ice reached towards the present village of Lhningen and left tills in the marginal areas of Oberklettgau, fluvial sand and gravel down-valley, and fine-grained sediments in smaller side valleys (Buechbrunnen-Schotter and Benzen-Formation; Fig. 10). Sedimentary evidence reveals that the glaciation comprises two advances separated by a phase of ice retreat. First results of IRSL dating imply an age of ca. 150 ka for the first ice advance towards the Klettgau (Preusser & Graf 2002; Graf 2009a). Glaciers left complex sedimentary successions in the Rhine trough and the southerly channel, comprising till, lake deposits and gravel (Engiwald-Formation and Schmerlet-Formation), was not eroded during ice meltdown. Partial erosion in Oberklettgau was caused by meltwater flowing through a small valley (Engi). Later, meltwater discharge shifted to the south, causing initial incision of the present course of the River Rhine. This newly formed erosional channel was later, probably during a temporal re-advance within general ice retreat, filled with 60 m of glaciofluvial gravel (Schaffhausen-Schotter). The mean IRSL age for this unit is about 130 ka (Preusser & Graf 2002; Graf 2009a). The above mentioned small valley was again used by meltwater during the maximal ice extent of the Last Glaciation, causing the deposition of 10 m gravel (Hardmorgen-Schotter) in Oberklettgau. 3.2.4 birrfeld Located in the lower Reuss Valley, Birrfeld is bounded by Molasse hills in the east and west, by the Mesozoic Lgern structure to the north, and by the hills of Habsburg to the NE (Fig. 1). Bedrock surface is characterised by an overdeepened basin to the south of the Lgern and by two channels heading northward across the Mesozoic structure, all of which are attributed to subglacial erosion (Graf 2009a). To the NW of Birrfeld, a palaeo-channel turns below the hill of Habsburg from SW to N. The Habsburg palaeo-channel contains the oldest sediments of the region, comprising lacustrine sediments and till, probably reflecting deposition during the Mhlin advance. On top are up to 100 m thick gravel deposits (Habsburg-Schotter), intercalating with glacial sediments and subglacial gravel in the southern part of the basin (Fig. 11). These deposits are attributed to the Habsburg glaciation. The next phase of accumulation is documented by glacial deposits and basin sediments. This Remigen advance of the Beringen glaciation reached far beyond Birrfeld and formed two channels crossing the Lgern structure. Glacial (Hausen-Till) and associated proglacial gravel (Remigen-Schotter) deposits of this advance are found on top of Habsburg-Schotter (Fig. 11). The two channels contain basin sediments in glaciolacustrine (Hausen-Lehm, Fig. 11) and partially in sandy facies (Reusstal-Sand, Fig. 12). LupfigSchotter, found in channels incised into the basin sediments in the western part of the region, is interpreted to represent a re-advance during the meltdown phase of the Remigen advance. This unit is covered by a well-developed palaeosol (Fig. 12), which may represent the Last Interglacial.
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NW
5755.1 von Moos AG (1974) SB2 Gebr. Meier AG (1971) AZ 305 Jckli AG (1982a)

SE
von Moos AG (1979) 5556.12 5556.10 5556.21 5556.9 5656.8 B. Rick (1996)

m a.s.l. 500

m a.s.l. 500

450

Brand

SB 54 Jckli AG (1965)

Eichhalden

Rtenen

450

West

400

Ziegelhof

Grabenacher

400

350

350

300

300

500

1000 m

Lupfig-Schotter (Beringen glaciation) (glaciofluvial gravel) Hausen-Lehm (Beringen glaciation)


(glaciolacustrine deposits) (till)

Remigen-Schotter (Beringen glaciation)


(glaciofluvial gravel)

Slope deposits Birr-Schotter (Birrfeld glaciation)


(glaciofluvial gravel)

Habsburg-Schotter (Habsburg glaciation)


(glaciofluvial gravel)

Hausen-Morne (Beringen glaciation)

Bedrock

Figure 11: Geological situation in the surroundings of Habsburg hill (modified after Graf 2009a). Abbildung 11: Geologische Verhltnisse im Umfeld des Habsburgs Hgels (modifiziert nach Graf 2009a).

6055.2

6055.14

5954.4

Profile R5

6055.12

6055.19

5955.3

6056.4

6056.5

400

Im langen Lind

5955.4

Birrfeld

Bleicherhlzli

Profile R4

m a.s.l.

Profile R2

SW
5853.1 5954.2

Drill hole data by Jckli AG (1977)

NE
m a.s.l.
6055.11 6055.3 6056.9

Eichrteli

400

Furacher

Usserdorf 350

350

310 0 500 1000 m

310

Late Glacial gravel


(till)

Mlligen-Schotter (Birrfeld glaciation)


(fluvial to glaciofluvial deposits)

Glaciolacustrine deposits Subglacial gravel and diamicts Palaeosol

Oberhard-Till (Birrfeld glaciation) Birr-Schotter (Birrfeld glaciation)


(glaciofluvial gravel)

Lupfig-Schotter (Beringen glaciation)


(glaciofluvial gravel)

Reusstal-Sand (Beringen glaciation)


(sandy basin facies)

Fig. 12: Geological situation at Birrfeld (modified after Graf 2009a) Abb. 12: Geologische Verhltnisse im Birrfeld (modifiziert nach Graf 2009a).

Along the slopes of the present Reuss Valley, fluvial deposits changing into glaciofluvial sediments (Mlligen-Schotter) on top of Reusstal-Sand have been dated by IRSL to 73 11 ka and 55 14 ka (Preusser & Graf 2002). This glacial ice advance, however, did not reach Birrfeld. The gravel bears a weakly developed palaeosol. The first advance of the Last Glaciation is mainly documented by glacial deposits along the present Reuss Valley (Lindmhle advance). After temporal ice retreat glaciofluvial gravel forming the present land surface has been deposited (Birr-Schotter, Fig. 11, Fig. 12). This unit is partly found on a paleosol developed on the gravel of the Beringen glacial (Lupfig-Schotter), and intercalates with glacial deposits that partly formed flat hills of till (Oberhard-Till, Fig. 12). Different stages of ice meltdown are represented by thin gravel units along the Reuss Valley (Fig. 12). 3.2.5 Linth basin The 15 km long and 7 km wide Linth Basin is located directly at the margin of the Alps, and spreads towards the north from the junction of Walensee and Linth Valley (Fig. 1).
292

Two Molasse inselbergs subdivide the Linth Plain between Walensee and Lake Zurich. Older glacial deposits are long known from Buechberg and Kaltbrunn (BrockmannJeroch 1910; Jeannet 1923; Welten, 1988). In his compilation of the Quaternary of the Linth area Schindler (2004) describes the sedimentary sequences in detail, and it is interesting to note that he refers to two independent Riss glaciations. A summary of the sedimentary sequence of Buechberg and Kaltbrunn-Uznach is given in Figure 13, and the presence of lacustrine deposits at the same altitude is important for correlation between the two outcrops. During the oldest preserved glaciation, the Linth Glacier carved out a substantial basin into Molasse bedrock at the northern margin of the Alps. According to the drill hole at Tuggen, the surface of bedrock in the middle of that basin is probably at a depth of about 100 m a.s.l. (Schindler 2004). During meltdown of this glaciation a lowermost till was deposited and a lake subsequently developed, in which delta sediments have been deposited (Gnterstall Deltaschotter). The sediments were derived from local streams and the interglacial character of deposition is documented by plant macro remains (Brockmann-Jerosch 1910). The delta is cut by till

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m a.s.l. 550

Till

Proglacial gravel Unconformity Till Poorly sorted gravel with reworked peat Proglacial gravel Poorly sorted sediment with peat

Gublen-Schotter

Bachtellen-Schotter

470

Gravel layer Delta deposits in proximal and distal facies

bles originating from the Linth Glacier catchment are found within the lake deposits. The next higher unit (Bachtellen-Schotter) shows a coarsening upwards tendency and partially non-orientated deposition and disturbances. The unit is interpreted to represent an ice-marginal position and proglacial sediments of an ice-advance. Above an unconformity, unsorted gravel and sand follow with irregularly admixed pieces of peat and gravel layers, the later originating from the unit beneath. These deposits likely represent sediments reworked by an advancing glacier. Lodgement till, although not present in all outcrops, documents that the region was overrun by the Linth Glacier during this advance. A pronounced unconformity on top of the till is probably of an erosional nature and likely reflects interglacial conditions. The next glacial advance is documented by coarsening upward ice-marginal gravel deposits (Gublen-Schotter) that are erosionally cut and covered by till. The latter, uppermost unit continuously covers the valley flanks and inselbergs of the Linth Basin and is supposed to represent the Last Glaciation of the area. 3.2.6 Glatt valley The lower Glatt Valley spreads over 40 km from the Molasse ridge of Hombrechtikon (near Rapperswil at Lake Zurich) via Kloten and Blach to the River Rhine (Fig. 1). Beside some hills made up by Molasse, the entire valley is characterised by outcropping deposits of the Last Glaciation. A series of drill holes gave insights into the composition of the Quaternary basin fills of this region. Glatt Valley is a typical overdeepened foreland basin with bedrock altitudes of 200300 m a.s.l. in the eastern main branch, and ca. 350 m a.s.l. in the small western branch. The occurrence of older basin deposits is along the main branch of the trough between Greifensee and Pfffikersse (Fig. 1) (Haldimann 1978; Wyssling & Wyssling 1978; Welten 1982; Kempf 1986; Wyssling 2008; Graf 2009a) The composite sketch of the basin fills (Fig. 14) shows that the sediment succession in the main basin is subdivided by a prominent unconformity into a central and a western part. Besides the main basin, the sub-basins of Greifensee and Pfffikersee are found to the west and east, respectively. The main basin (Fig. 14) has a bedrock depth of about 300 m a.s.l. in the middle part of Glatt Valley, and reaches as low as 250 m a.s.l. The bottom of the trough is filled by till and partially covered by ice-decay meltwater deposits. All over the central parts of Glatt Valley, laminated lake sediments with a thickness of 100150 m on top of the till are interpreted to represent varved late glacial deposits. Along the central basin axis between Greifensee and Pfffikersee gravel deposits occur that reach a thickness of 30 m and are partially cemented (Aathal-Schotter). These sediments are exposed in the Aa Valley but have also been found in drillings farther north, up to the village of Kloten. Plant remains and debris of snails found in the basal part of the gravel imply a warm period preceding the deposition of the gravel. In its upper part, the gravel contains lenses of till that are interpreted to represent an advancing glacier. The unit is expected to represent proglacial sediments because it is actually covered by till. An unconformity docu293

Laminated lake deposits

Mlenen/OberkirchSeebodenlehme

Till and proglacial sediments Unconformity Proximal delta deposits with plant macro remains

GnterstallDeltaschotter

Till

200
Molasse

Fig. 13: Geological composite section of the Linth Basin (modified after Keller & Krayss 2010). Abb. 13: Geologisches Sammelprofil der Linthbecken (modifiziert nach Keller & Krayss 2010).

documenting a next glacial advance into the Linth Basin. The till reaches a thickness of up to 50 m and its base has been found in drilling down to a depth of 300 m a.s.l., indicating deep erosion in the central part of the basin. Laminated grey lake deposits then follow and reach a thickness of up to 150 m, as found in drill holes up to 100 m below the present surface of the Linth Plain. They are found over a distance of more than 30 km from Buechberg to the middle reaches of Walensee. In its upper parts, the lake deposits bear plant remains and pollen of boreal trees and Alnus (alder), indicating that the lake represents a late glacial period of a preceding glaciation (Welten 1988). The lake deposits are overlain by a horizontal gravel layer, indicating a lake surface at 470 m a.s.l. In the western part of Buechberg, delta deposits with peb-

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m a.s.l.

SW

Ottenhusen

NE Pfffikersee 537

9 1

10 1

D 500 Uster
12 1 12 1 7 1 12 1 9 1 10 1 8 1 5 1 10 1

6 1 5 1 10 1

500
9 1 4 1

Greifensee 435

Molasse
7 1 3 1

400

11 1 9 1

400

Molasse

2 1 1 1

300 Greifensee sub-basin Western main basin Main basin Pfffikersee sub-basin

300

Fig. 14: Geological cross section of the Upper Glatt Valley (modified after Graf 2009a and Keller & Krayss 2010). 1: Till, 2: meltwater deposits, 3: laminated lacustrine sediments, 4: pro-glacial gravel; basal part bearing plant remains; upper part containing lenses of till; Aathal-Schotter, 5: till, 6: unconformity, 7: lake sediments; basal part bearing plant remains, 8: gravel, 9: till, 10: gravel and till of the final phase of the Last Glaciation, 11: lake sediments, 12: post-glacial deposits. Abb. 14: Geologisches Querprofil durch das obere Glatttal (modifiziert nach Graf 2009a und Keller & Krayss 2010) 1: Till, 2: Schmelzwasserablagerungen, 3: laminierte Seesedimente, 4: Vorstossschotter; mit Pflanzenresten im basalen Teil; Linsen von Till im oberen Teil, Aathal-Schotter, 5: Till, 6: Diskordanz, 7: Seesedimente; Pflanzenreste im basalen Teil, 8: Schotter, 9: Till, 10: Schotter und Till der finalen Phase der letzten Vergletscherung, 11: Seesedimente, 12: Postglaziale Ablagerungen.

mented by sand and silt separates this lower from an upper till unit attributed to the Last Glaciation. The western main basin (Fig. 14) is characterised by a deep-reaching unconformity, cutting the upper part of the lake sediments. It is partly covered by till and indicates glacial erosion of the trough. The western part of the basin comprises lake sediments rich in plant remains and bearing Eemian pollen assemblages (Welten 1982). The lake deposits are mainly covered by gravel and till of the last glacial advance, but at Gossau (Fig. 1) a complex succession of the early and middle part of the Birrfeld glaciation had been exposed (Schlchter et al. 1987). Luminescence dating indicates that delta deposits at Gossau, interpreted to result from a glacial advance, where deposited at the very beginning of the Birrfeld glaciation, c. 105 ka ago (Preusser 1999; Preusser et al. 2003). Till of the Last Glaciation is found in the basal and western part of Greifensee sub-basin. Sediments in the Pfffikersee sub-basin and in the highest parts of the main basin indicate that the glacier re-advanced over the previously deposited gravel and sand during the final phase of the Last Glaciation (Stein am Rhein/Zurich stadial), after temporal ice meltdown. On top of late to post glacial lake sediments a delta was deposited in Greifensee originating from the Aa Valley and Pfffikersee.
294

3.2.7 rafzerfeld/thur valley The River Thur flows in a wide valley from east to west and is a tributary of the River Rhine. Beyond the confluence of both rivers, Rafzerfeld is the continuation of the Thur Valley, at a slightly higher altitude, but the structure is almost perpendicularly cut by the Rhine Valley (Fig. 15). Since the mid20th century several drill holes have brought new insights into the subsurface stratigraphy of this basin area (Mller 1996; Graf 2009a). It is interesting to note that an overdeepened valley reaches from the Thur Valley to the River Rhine, with a NW orientated branch. The deepest parts of this palaeo-channel reach down to sea-level. The sedimentary fill of this trough, however, apparently only comprises sediment accumulation during the Last Glaciation. Surface relief is characterised by prominent moraine ridges and extended out-wash plains with several gravel pits allowing access to near-surface sediments (Fig. 15). The region is therefore well suited to investigate the landforming processes along the western front of the former Rhine Glacier (Keller & Krayss 2005a,b; Keller 2005). Ice marginal positions during the Last Glaciation show that the Thur Valley lobe reached Rafzerfeld (Fig. 15), causing the accumulation of out-wash deposits in the area dated

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Cholfirst

Moraine ramparts Melt water ways

S
Wangental

r d

an

de

Birrfeld Stein am Rhein

Rheinau

Benken

external stage main stage Birrfeld Feuerthalen

Lottstetten

Rhine

Birrfeld maximum
?

Rafz

form

er

Marthalen Oberneunforn Andelfingen


Thur
Outwash gravel terraces: Postglacial

co

se of R ur hin

Alten

Hntwangen
? Thur

Rdlingen
Rhine

Birrfeld Stein am Rhein external stage

Eglisau

h ec Bu rg be
Rhine transverse valley

Flaach

main stage internal stage Birrfeld Feuerthalen Birrfeld maximum Early Pleistocene

Fig. 15: Geological map of the confluence region of Rivers Rhine and Thur (modified after Keller 2005). Abb. 15: Geologische Karte der Konfluenzregion von Rhein und Thur (modifiziert nach Keller 2005).

Gl at y le al tV
s T s
Irchel 0 5 km

Deckenschotter

m a.s.l. 500

W Birrfeld Maximum Feuerthalen Stein am Rhein

E Constance

Rafzerfeld 400

Rhine

Thur Valley former Lake Thur


presen t Thur

Rhine

Thur

Hntwangen

Andelfingen

Murg

l na ter ex

in ma

l na er xt e

Lottstetten

Frauenfeld

Marthalen

Eglisau Rafz

Postglacial gravel Glaciofluvial gravel

Lake sediments Former Lake Thur

Till

km

Bussnang

300

Alten

Weinfelden 10

Fig. 16: Geological longitudinal profile of the lower Thur Valley with the location of different ice marginal positions (modified after Keller & Krayss 1999). Abb. 16: Geologisches Lngsprofil durch das untere Thurtal mit der Position verschiedener Eisrandlagen (modifiziert nach Keller & Krayss 1999).

by both OSL and radiocarbon to being just older than ca. 25 ka (Preusser et al. 2007). Aggradation was so prominent that part of the meltwater spilled over into the Tss Valley. When this drainage became dominant, the River Rhine cut the valley of Rdlingen-Tssegg into molasse bedrock, and Rafzerfeld finally dried. With the step-by-step meltdown of the Thur Valley lobe, new outwash plains were established, while the River

Rhine was cutting deeper and forming several terrace levels. The terrace levels can be correlated to individual terminal moraine ridges, with lower terrace levels being related to more internal ice marginal positions. During a re-advance of the Thur Valley lobe, particularly well developed terminal moraine ridges were formed close to the present village of Andelfingen (Stein am Rhein stadial), followed by a more-or-less continuous meltdown
295

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towards the Lake Constance basin. In the Thur Valley, a 40 km long lake established beyond the terminal moraine ridge near Andelfingen (Fig. 16). Due to further deepening of the Rhine Valley between Rdlingen-Tssegg and the huge sediment input from the hinterland, the lake disappeared after a few thousand years (Keller & Krayss 1999). The ice-marginal position of Rhine-Linth Glacier has been
Calibrated 14C - dates in ka BP Terminal moraine Till Gravels Lake sediments Peat W/S
19.5

mapped in detail and reconstructed as three-dimensional ice bodies following glacio-geological aspects (Keller & Krayss 2005a). Based on a substantial number of radiocarbon ages for the different ice-marginal positions, the spatial-temporal ice build-up and, in particular, meltdown have been reconstructed for the Last Glaciation (Fig. 17; Keller & Krayss 2005b).

ka 15

Sargans W/K
18.0 Zsee c 16.8 b 18.0 Ks 18.1 a 18.5 ? Bsee b 16.8 a 17.5

W/W
17.3

around 16.8 Sz 14.5 Mg 17.2 local glaciers

ka
Vm 14.7

15

W/F W/M2 20 W/M1


24.0 Ge 23.6 Bi 24.0/23.7 Wi 23.9 ? ? 23.0 21.5

St 17.8

period of glaciation

melting back 20

Ma 22.0

expansion of glaciation

25
In 26.4 ? Kn 26.2 Hw 28.2

25 advance

30

In 29.2 Sl 30.7

Sz 28.4 ?

Fl 29.5/29.2

W/O
27.0

30

Ravensburg oscillation

DE
M 32.0 29.0 calculated start position

Zb 33.0

Go 33.1 Go 33.4

35 Donau drainage devide Randen, Lgeren Stein am Rhein, Zurich Constance, Hurden foreland basin

M 35.0

35

Alpine gater

Bifurcation of Sargans

Confluence of Vorderand Hinter - rhine alpine valley systems

external foreland

outlet valleys

Fig. 17: Chronology of the last glacial advance of the Rhine-Linth glacier (Birrfeld/Wrm; redrawn after Keller & Krayss 2005b). Ice marginal positions: DE = Domat-Ems, W/O = Obersee, W/M1 = outer Maximum, W/M2 = inner Maximum, W/F = Feuerthalen, W/S = Stein am Rhein, W/K = Konstanz, W/W = Weissbad. Abb. 17: Chronologie des letztglazialen Eisaufbaus des Rhein-Linth Gletschers (Birrfeld/Wrm; umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2005b). Eisrandlagen: DE = Domat-Ems, W/O = Obersee, W/M1 = usseres Maximum, W/M2 = inneres Maximum, W/F = Feuerthalen, W/S = Stein am Rhein, W/K = Konstanz, W/W = Weissbad.

m a.s.l. 800 W-E-projection 0 600 'Hhere Deckenschotter' 10 20 km Vertical exaggeration 100x

400

'Tiefere Deckenschotter'

High Terrace (Habsburg Glaciation) 200 Basel Mhlin Verderber (1992) Koblenz Graf (2009b) Neuhausen Schienerberg Sipplingen

Fig. 18: Base level of gravel beds along the Hochrhein (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010). Abb. 18: Schotterbasis am Hochrhein (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010).

296

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Chronostratigraphy Age (ka)

Glacial extent
High mountains Foreland Margin of Alps

Stratigraphic unit

Holocene
Birrfeld Glaciation 11.5 17.5 Main Advance 2. Advance

Late

30 55

? ?

Gossau Interstadial Complex

115 130

1. Advance

Last Interglacial Eemian

Beringen Glaciation 185 Meikirch Interglacial Complex Hagenholz ? Glaciation

not at scale

M i d d l e

Habsburg Glaciation

>300

Thalgut Interglacial Holsteinian Mhlin Glaciation Incision (MPR)

? ? ? ?
Hhere Deckenschotter Glaciations
Fig. 19: Stratigraphy scheme showing the glaciation history of Switzerland. According to Keller & Krayss (2010), Hagenholz may represent an early phase of the Beringen Glaciation. Abb. 19: Stratigraphisches Schema der Vergletscherungsgeschichte der Schweiz. Nach Keller & Krayss (2010) knnte die Hagenholz Eiszeit einer frhen Phase der Beringen Eiszeit. entsprechen.

Early

Tiefere Deckenschotter Glaciations

Incision

2500

P l i o c e n e

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297

r e s t B l a c k F o

Ra nd en

Schaffhausen
Rhin e
La

Rhine Glacier
Basel M
Rhine

Constance
Thu r

ke

Co n

sta

nc e

ra Ju

s in ta n ou

Baden Lgern Aarau


Limm at

Lin
t at a Gl G

Winterthur

th

Gl

ac

St. Gallen

Zurich

ier

Hrnli

s Reu er laci s G
s s e s Reu

re Aa

La ke Zu ric h

Sntis

Solothurn

h h nt Lin

re Aa

ala -V

is

ac Gl

ier

Zug

Luzern Napf Pilatus

M = Mhlin
0 10 20 km

Fig. 20: Estimated maximal ice extent during the Mhlin glaciation (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010; elevation data from Jarvis et al. 2008). Abb. 20: Geschtzte maximale Eisausdehnung whrend der Mhlin-Eiszeit (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010; Hhendaten von Jarvis et al. 2008).

Ra

r e s t B l a c k F o

nd

en

Schaffhausen
Rhin e
La

Rhine Glacier
Rhine

Constance

ke

Co n

sta

nc e

Thu r

Basel

ra Ju

ns ai nt ou

Baden Hb Aarau
Limm at

Winterthur

Lin

th

Gl

St. Gallen

Gll t t at a

ac

Zurich

ier

Hrnli

Reu ss
s s e s Reu

Solothurn

re Aa

re Aa

ala -V

is

ac Gl

ier

La ke Zu ric h
t th Liin

Sntis

Luzern Napf Pilatus

Fig. 21: Estimated maximal ice extent during the Habsburg glaciation (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010; elevation data from Jarvis et al. 2008). Abb. 21: Geschtzte maximale Eisausdehnung whrend der Habsburg-Eiszeit (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010; Hhendaten von Jarvis et al. 2008).

Gla

cier
Zug

Hb = Habsburg
0 10 20 km

298

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Important moraine ramparts Relicts of lower High Terrace Melt water valley Klettgau lake Melt water path

Ra nd en

Be

Schaffhausen
Rhin e

La

Constance
Thu r

ke

Co n

Rhine Glacier
Rhine

sta

nc e

Basel

ra Ju

s in ta n ou

Baden Lgern Aarau


Limm at

Lin

Winterthur

th

Gl

St. Gallen

t at a Gl

ac

Zrich

ier

Hrnli

s Reu er laci s G
s s e s Reu

re Aa

La ke Zu ric h
h th Liin

Sntis

Solothurn

re Aa

ala -V

is

ac Gl

ier

Zug

Luzern Napf Pilatus

Be = Beringen
0 10 20 km

Fig. 22: Estimated maximal ice extent during the Beringen glaciation (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010; elevation data from Jarvis et al. 2008). Abb. 22: Geschtzte maximale Eisausdehnung whrend der Beringen-Eiszeit (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010; Hhendaten von Jarvis et al. 2008).

Melt water path

nd

r e s t B l a c k F o

en

Ra

Schaffhausen
Rhin e
La

Rhine Glacier
Rhine

Constance
Thu r

ke

Co n

sta

nc e

Basel

ra Ju

s in ta n Aarau ou

Baden Bf

Winterthur

Lin

Limm at

th

St. Gallen

Gl

a at

Zrich

Gl

ac

Hrnli

ier

Reu ss
s s e s Reu

ci Gla

re Aa

La ke Zu ric h

Sntis
h th Liin

er

Solothurn

re Aa

Va

s lai

ac Gl

ier

Zug

Luzern Napf Pilatus

Bf = Birrfeld
0 10 20 km

Fig. 23: Observed maximal ice extent during the Birrfeld glaciation (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010; elevation data from Jarvis et al. 2008). Abb. 23: Beobachtete maximale Eisausdehnung whrend der Birrfeld-Eiszeit (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010; Hhendaten von Jarvis et al. 2008).

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299

4 Glaciation history 4.1 Early Pleistocene (deckenschotter glaciations) During the Pliocene/Pleistocene transition, the landscape of the northern foreland of the Swiss Alps most likely had a much less pronounced relief than today. This is deduced from the fact that the channels, in which Hhere Deckenschotter were deposited, have a broad and flat crosssection. Proof for glaciations reaching the Swiss lowlands during the Early Quaternary is limited and relies mainly on the presence of thin till layers within the coarse gravel deposits. It is assumed that glaciers at that time were more of a piedmont type than being valley glaciers. However, there is local evidence for glacial basins, for example, at Uetliberg near Zurich (Graf & Mller 1999). For Hhere Deckenschotter, two ice advances into the lowlands are documented by the presence of glacial deposits, one reaching north of the Lgern, the other even reaching the lower Aare Valley (i.e. the region between the confluence of Aare/Reuss/Limmat and the confluence of Aare/Rhine). Evidence for the presence of glaciers in the lowlands for the time of Tiefere Deckenschotter is limited to Iberig and Schiener Berg (near Lake Constance). The till-complexes found there are much thicker than those found within Hhere Deckenschotter, and two ice advances are well documented by the presence of glacial sediments, at least reaching Iberig in the lower Aare Valley. Interestingly, at that time the ice advance in the Reuss Valley was apparently more pronounced than in the Rhine Valley, compared to the Last Glaciation. An important observation is that both Deckenschotter units comprise several subunits with both glacial and interglacial character, and thus probably represent at least some 100 ka. The lower bedrock level of Tiefere Deckenschotter implies a period of substantial incision between both units (Fig. 18). The mechanism behind these periods of pronounced erosion could be either uplift of the Alps, or in the Jura and Black Forest, or subsidence in the Upper Rhine Graben. Both scenarios would have led to a higher gradient of the drainage system with regard to the base level in the southern part of the Upper Rhine Graben, causing incision in the upper reaches to the river systems. Most pronounced is the incision after deposition of Tiefere Deckenschotter (Fig. 18). Besides tectonic processes, this may have been caused by the redirection of the Alpine Rhine that was tributary to the River Danube during most of the Early Pleistocene (cf. Preusser 2008; Keller 2009). The connection of the Alpine Rhine, flowing at a level of about 700 m a.s.l., to the base level in the southern part of the Upper Rhine Graben, being at ca. 250 m a.s.l., must have caused substantial fluvial incision along the Hochrhein and its tributaries (systems of the Rivers Aare, Reuss, and Limmat). This complex change of drainage and relief is currently not directly dated, but we refer to it as Middle Pleistocene Reorganisation (MPR). 4.2 middle-Late Pleistocene of central northern switzerland After the period of pronounced fluvial incision following the Deckenschotter period (MPR), alpine glaciers ad300

vanced to their most extensive position during the Quaternary (Fig. 19). The Mhlin Glaciation reached the southern slopes of the Black Forest (Fig. 20). Sediment attributed to this glacial advance is rare, but this glaciation probably carved the first overdeepened glacial basins in the Swiss lowlands and widened the pre-existing valleys. The following glaciation, Habsburg (Fig. 21), was of a much more limited extent compared to Mhlin and only reached to the northern margins of the deep basins in the northern Swiss lowlands, with one front of the Reuss Glacier situated near the type location of Habsburg (Fig. 21). From the terminal position of this glacial advance substantial masses of sediment where deposited along the drainage paths, i.e. the Rivers Aare and Rhine, and form part of the High Terrace deposits in these valleys. In the internal parts of the glacial basins, a continuation of glacial erosion is documented by glacial deposits (till), followed by lacustrine sedimentation. The transition to the next interglacial is often characterised by delta deposits and, in particular, peat. Till deposits in the upper and middle parts of Glatt Valley and in the Thur Valley show intercalating lake sediments and gravel (Aathal-Schotter) (Kempf 1986; Wyssling 2008; Mller 1996), which point towards a glacial advance that probably reached the Linth and Lake Constance basins after the Habsburg Glaciation but prior to the main advance of the Beringen Glaciation. While Graf (2009a) refers to this advance as an independent glaciation (Hagenholz), Keller & Krayss (2010) interpret it as an early advance of the Beringen Glaciation (Fig. 19). The main advance of the Beringen Glaciation is documented by till found all over the study area in northern Switzerland. This advance has overrun the previously deposited High Terraces and crossed the River Rhine between the cities of Schaffhausen and Waldshut (Fig. 22). At the same time, the Lake Constance-Rhine Glacier advanced into the upper parts of Klettgau leaving large amounts of pro-glacial melt water deposits. Concurrently, the AareReuss-Linth Glacier blocked the lower part of Klettgau, leaving an ice-dammed lake. Outwash deposits blocked the Neuhauserwald and Engi channels, forcing the River Rhine to a southerly direction (Fig. 9). The main advance of the Beringen Glaciation left gravel on top of older lake deposits and this glacial advance likely caused the formation of some new glacial basins. The Birrfeld Glaciation (Late Pleistocene) left a variety of geomorphological features, which are well preserved due to its relatively young age. Evidence for one or even two glacial advances during the early part of this glaciation has been discussed on several occasions (Schlchter et al. 1987; Keller & Krayss 1998; Preusser et al. 2003; Preusser 2004; Ivy-Ochs et al. 2008). According to present dating evidence, these glacial advances occurred during MIS 5d and/or MIS 4, and represent independent phases of ice build-up and decay (cf. Ivy-Ochs et al. 2008). Following Keller & Krayss (1998), the MIS 4 advance reached Untersee and was only some 10 km less extensive than the Last Glaciation of the Swiss lowlands. The period between 5530 ka was characterised by relative moderate climatic conditions, best documented by the Gossau Interstadial Complex (Schlchter et al. 1987; Preusser et al. 2003) and to some extend at Niederweningen (Furrer et al. 2007, and references therein). The main

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m a.s.l.
Stadler Berg / Egg Glatt Basin Hombrechtikon Ridge

NW
Linth Basin

SE

Lower Klettgau

Hochrhein Valley

600

hli

Be
E 510 M

rin
H

n ge
s ab

bu

rg

Bir

rfe

ld
E M
470

500
440 - 500

400 M E

Rhine

300 250
profile line moved to east Till Gravel Lake sediments Paleosol, weathered horizon Delta deposits not at scale

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290

200

Postglacial

Klettgau ice-dammed lake

100 m

Birrfeld Glaciation

Beringen Glaciation

Habsburg Glaciation

Interglacials: E = Eemian ? M = Meikirch ? H = Holsteinian ? Deckenschotter

Mhlin Glaciation

Fig. 24: Generalised cross section from the Hochrhein to the Linth Basin (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010).

Abb. 24: Generalisierter Profilschnitt vom Hochrhein ins Linth Becken (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010).

301

W-E - projection; vertical exaggeration 100x

m a.s.l. 500 Etzgen Erzingen Mhlin Sisseln

400

Kaiserstuhl

200 0
Dammed by the Wehra-Glacier Birrfeld Glaciation Till of Beringen Glaciation Gravel of Beringen Glaciation Gravel with Black Forest Granite Habsburg Glaciation

20

Koblenz

Rafzerfeld

40
Discharge level (Birrfeld) Base Lower Terrace (Birrfeld) Dischagre level (Beringen) Base High Terrace (Beringen) Out-wash plain Discharge level (Habsburg) Bedrock (Mhlin)

60 km

Fig. 25: Evolution of relief along the Hochrhein (re-drawn after Keller & Krayss 2010). Abb. 25: Reliefentwicklung entlang des Hochrheins (umgezeichnet nach Keller & Krayss 2010).

advance of the Birrfeld Glaciation (Fig. 23) occurred after ca. 30 ka ago and reached its maximum position probably about 2422 ka. By ca. 17.5 ka at the latest, the ice had disappeared from the Swiss lowlands (cf. Amman et al. 1994; Preusser 2004; Keller & Krayss 2005b). The generalised cross-section from the Linth Basin via the Glatt Valley towards the Hochrhein Valley (Fig. 24) demonstrates the impact of Quaternary glaciations on the geomorphology and summarises its imprint in the sedimentological record. In the deep basins, sedimentary successions reflect the changing depositional environments during past glacial and interglacial times. The latter are mainly represented by palaeosols and peat deposits. Incised valleys and terraces mainly made up by gravel deposits reflect ice-marginal and proglacial settings. The evolution of the relief during the last major glaciations is shown with a west-east projection along the Hochrhein Valley between Mhlin and Schaffhausen (Fig. 25). The deep channel incised into bedrock indicates the end of erosional processes that dominated since the end of the Deckenschotter period and continued until the Mhlin Glaciation. Above the base of this channel, gravel of the Habsburg Glaciation accumulated with a thickness of 70140 m, up to
302

the surface of the High Terrace. The elevation of the base of gravel deposition during the Beringen Glaciation is poorly known. Better constrained is the flow line of the maximum advance during this glaciation, from the proximal proglacial setting near Schaffhausen to Mhlin. During the following interglacial erosion down to the bedrock surface in partly newly incised channels was even deeper, forming the base of Low Terrace gravel with a maximal flow line originating from Rafzerfeld. 4.3 middle-Late Pleistocene of the Aare valley Due to its geographical position, evidence from the middle part of the Aare Valley cannot directly be linked to the findings of central northern Switzerland summarised in the previous paragraphs. Nevertheless, this region is of eminent importance as most of the geochronological and palynostratigraphical information has been collected from outcrops and drill holes in this area. The oldest deposits of the region are the basal glacial sediments at Thalgut, situated below lake deposits bearing a flora with Fagus and Pterocarya. This interglacial with Pterocarya is interpreted to represent an equivalent of the Praclaux Interglacial in the Massif Central,

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Rheinfallrinne

300

SH-Klettgaurinne

ob. Klettgau Engi Schaffhausen

France, and of the Holsteinian as defined in northern Germany (cf. Beaulieu et al. 2001). The age of the Holsteinian is generally accepted as MIS 11 (ca. 420 ka) and this age is apparently verified by 40Ar/39Ar dating of tephra some metres above the Praclaux Interglacial deposits (Roger et al. 1999). In contrast, Geyh & Mller (2005) report U/Th ages of about 325 ka for peat layers with a Holsteinian pollen signature from northern Germany, rather implying a correlation with MIS 9. Above the interglacial containing Pterocarya follows another glaciation that at least reached the Thalgut site. The Meikirch site implies the presence of a glacier at this site during MIS 8 and a complex pattern of environmental change during MIS 7, with three pronounced warm periods. The dating results from Landiswil and erratic boulders from the Jura Mountains imply an extensive glaciation of the Swiss lowland during MIS 6. First evidence from Thalgut (Preusser & Schlchter 2004) and Finsterhennen (Preusser et al. 2007) points towards one or even two ice advances after the Last Interglacial but prior to the Last Glaciation. However, this needs to be verified by further data. 4.4 Correlations between central northern switzerland and the Aare valley Of eminent importance for correlations and establishing a chronology is the occurrence of interglacial deposits in the Aare Valley that are present but not well investigated in the central and eastern parts of Switzerland. The oldest glaciation documented in the Aare Valley is older than Holsteinian, but we can only speculate that it is an equivalent of the Mhlin Glaciation. A glaciation younger than Holsteinian (minimum age 320 ka) but older than Meikirch is documented in the Aare Valley (Preusser et al. 2005) and could well be an equivalent of the Habsburg Glaciation. Considering the dating evidence from Landiswil, the Jura Mountains, and the Schaffhausen area, the extensive Beringen glaciation is likely to represent MIS 6 (ca. 180130 ka). In northern Switzerland this advance reached beyond the River Rhine and was substantially more extensive than the last advance of the Birrfeld Glaciation. The limited number of reliable geochronological and palynostratigraphical tie-points leaves some uncertainty with the chronological framework presented in Figure 19. However, the general scheme appears rather consistent with at least four, but probably up to seven glacial advances reaching the Swiss lowlands during the younger Middle and Late Pleistocene (< 500 ka). 5 Conclusions Evidence from the northern foreland of the Swiss Alps indicates at least eight, but probably more lowland glaciations during the Quaternary. At least two glacial advances reached northern Switzerland during the time of the Hhere Deckenschotter (older Early Pleistocene) and a minimum of two further advances occurred during the phase of Tiefere Deckenschotter (younger Early Pleistocene to older Middle Pleistocene?). Both periods were followed by pronounced periods of fluvial incision, possible caused by tectonic movements and probably enhanced by fluvial dynamics during the second phase (re-direction of the Alpine Rhine,

MPR). The most extensive glaciation of the Quaternary is represented by the Mhlin Glaciation and is assumed to be older than Holsteinian. It is followed by the Habsburg Glaciation that was presumably of a similar size to the Last Glaciation of the Swiss lowland. The glacial extent during the subsequent Beringen Glaciation was again rather extensive. Luminescence and cosmogenic nuclide dating imply that this period is likely equivalent to MIS 6 (180130 ka). The last glacial cycle, Birrfeld, may comprise two, or even three, periods of individual ice build-up and decay, separated by phases with relatively mild temperatures. The last glacier advance reached the lowland just after 30 ka ago, reached its maximum ca. 2422 ka, and disappeared from the lowlands not later than 17.5 ka. Acknowledgements The authors thank C. Salom Michael for drawing most of the figures and Andreas Dehnert for providing figure 1. Andreas Dehnert and Dorian Gaar provided valuable comments on previous versions of this article. We are indebted to Philip Gibbard and Wim Westerhoff for their constructive reviews and to Sally Lowick for checking the English. references
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Kelly, M.A., Buoncristiani, J.-F. & Schlchter, C. (2004): A reconstruction of the last glacial maximum (LGM) ice-surface geometry in the western Swiss Alps and contiguous Alpine regions in Italy and France. Eclogae geologicae Helvetiae, 97: 5775. Kempf, T. (1986): In: Direktion der ffentlichen Bauten des Kantons Zrich: Die Grundwasservorkommen im Kanton Zrich, Erluterungen zur Grundwasserkarte des Kantons Zrich 1 : 25 000, 211 S. Beitrge zur Geologie der Schweiz, Geotechnische Serie 69; ETH 8092 Zrich. Kock, S., Huggenberger, P., Preusser, F., Rentzel, P. & Wetzel, A. (2009): Formation and evolution of the Lower Terrace of the Rhine River in the area of Basel. Swiss Journal of Geosciences, 102: 307321. Longo, W. (1978): Geologie des Hagenholztunnels bei Kloten. Eclogae geologicae Helvetiae, 71: 175182. Mailnder, R. & Veit, H. (2001): Periglacial cover beds on the Swiss Plateau: indicators of soil, climate and landscape evolution during the Late Quaternary. Catena, 45: 251272. Mller, E.R. (1996): Die Ittinger Schotter und ihr morphogenetisches Umfeld. Eclogae geologicae Helvetiae, 89: 10771093. Penck, A. & Brckner, E. (1901/09): Die Alpen im Eiszeitalter. Tauchnitz, Leipzig. Preusser, F. (1999): Luminescence dating of fluvial sediments and overbank deposits from Gossau, Switzerland: fine grain dating. Quaternary Science Reviews 18: 217222. Preusser, F. (2004): Towards a chronology of the Upper Pleistocene in the northern Alpine Foreland. Boreas, 33: 195210. Preusser, F. (2008): Characterisation and evolution of the River Rhine system. Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, 87: 719. Preusser, F., Geyh., M.A. & Schlchter, C. (2003): Timing of Late Pleistocene climate change in lowland Switzerland. Quaternary Science Reviews, 22: 14351445. Preusser, F. & Graf, H.R. (2002): Erste Ergebnisse von Lumineszenzdatierungen eiszeitlicher Ablagerungen der Nordschweiz. Jahrbuch und Mitteilungen des Oberrheinischen Geologischen Vereins, 107: 419438. Preusser, F. & Schlchter, C. (2004): Dates from an important early Late Pleistocene ice advance in the Aare Valley, Switzerland. Eclogae geologicae Helvetiae, 97: 245253. Preusser, F., Drescher-Schneider, R., Fiebig, M. & Schlchter, C. (2005): Re-interpretation of the Meikirch pollen record, Swiss Alpine Foreland, and implications for Middle Pleistocene chronostratigraphy. Journal of Quaternary Science, 20: 607620. Preusser, F., Blei, A., Graf, H.R. & Schlchter, C. (2007): Luminescence dating of proglacial sediments from Switzerland. Boreas, 36: 130142. Preusser, F., Reitner, J. & Schlchter, C. (2010). Distribution, geometry, age and origin of overdeepened valleys and basins in the Alps and their foreland. Swiss Journal of Geosciences, 103: 407427. Roger, S., Fraud, G., de Beaulieu, J.-L., Thouveny, N., Coulon, Ch., Choucem, J.J., Andrieu, V. & Williams, T. (1999): 40Ar/39Ar dating on tephra of the Velay maars (France): implications for the Late Pleistocene proxy-climatic record. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 170: 287299. Schaefer, I. (1957) : Erluterungen zur Geologischen Karte von Augsburg und Umgebung 1:50 000. Bayrisches Geologisches Landesamt Mnchen. Schindler, C. (2004): Zum Quartr des Linthgebietes zwischen Luchsingen, dem Walensee und dem Zrcher Obersee. Beitrge zur Geologischen Karte der Schweiz, 159 S. Bundesamt fr Landestopografie swisstopo; Wabern. Schlchter, C. (1987a): Lokale Vergletscherung im westlichen Auslufer des Napfberglandes. Eiszeitalter und Gegenwart, 37: 4145. Schlchter, C. (1987b): Talgenese im Quartr eine Standortbestimmung. Geographica Helvetica, 2: 109115. Schlchter, C. (1988): A non-classical summary of the Quaternary stratigraphy in the northern alpine Foreland of Switzerland. Bulletin de la Socit neuchteloise de gographie, 32: 143157. Schlchter, C. (1989a): The most complete Quaternary record of the Swiss Alpine Foreland. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 72: 141146. Schlchter, C. (1989b): Thalgut: Ein umfassendes eiszeitstratigraphisches Referenzprofil im nrdlichen Alpenvorland. Eclogae geologicae Helvetiae, 82: 277284. Schlchter, C., Maisch, M., Suter, J., Fitze, P., Keller, W.A., Burga, C.A. & Wynistorf, E. (1987): Das Schieferkohlenprofil von Gossau (Kanton Zrich) und seine stratigraphische Stellung innerhalb der letzten Eiszeit. Vierteljahrsschrift der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Zrich, 132: 135174.

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E&G

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60 / number 23 / 2011 / 306328 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.07 www.quaternary-science.net

GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

the Quaternary of the southwest German Alpine Foreland (bodensee-oberschwaben, baden-Wrttemberg, southwest Germany)
Dietrich Ellwanger, Ulrike Wielandt-Schuster, Matthias Franz, Theo Simon
Abstract: The Quaternary of the Bodensee region comprises Early Pleistocene fluvial gravels (Deckenschotter) and Middle and Late Pleistocene glacial and meltwater deposits of the Rhineglacier. They reflect the transformation of the alpine margin from a foothill ramp to the overdeepened amphitheatre (todays topography). The Deckenschotter reflect not only fluvial incision but also, according to major differences in petrographical composition, the evolution of their alpine source area (alpine Rhine Valley). The eldest glacial till is in contact with the Mindel-Deckenschotter, displaying no evidence of major overdeepening in this early time slice. Most glacial and meltwater deposits are attributed to three major foreland glaciations of the Rhineglacier forming three generations of overdeepened basins. The eldest basins are directed northward to the Donau, those of the last glaciation go west towards the Rhine. This re-orientation improves the resolution of glacial sediments and landforms. The glacial deposits are traditionally described as chronostratigraphical system based upon glacial versus interglacial units. In this paper, an updated version of this chronostratigraphy is presented, supplemented by a lithostratigraphical system that primarily focusses on sediment bodies. Finally, short definitions of major lithostratigraphical units are outlined that are used by the Geological Survey of the German State of Baden-Wrttemberg. [das Quartr des sdwestdeutschen Alpenvorlandes (bodensee-oberschwaben, baden-Wrttemberg, sdwestdeutschland)] Kurzfassung: Das Quartr der Bodensee-Region besteht aus Schottern frhpleistozner alpiner Flusssysteme (Deckenschotter) sowie aus glazialen und Schmelzwasser-Ablagerungen der mittel- und sptpleistoznen Eiszeiten. Sie belegen den landschaftlichen Wandel von einer Art Rampe aus Vorbergen hin zur heutigen Topographie mit ineinander greifenden, bertieften Becken, sodass sich eine Art Amphitheater ergibt. Die Deckenschotter als lteste Ablagerungen dokumentieren einerseits die Eintiefung der alpinen Flsse in diversen Terrassenstufen im Sedimentationsgebiet, andererseits durch deutliche Unterschiede im Gerllspektrum die Vergrerung des Liefergebiets des sich entwickelnden alpinen Rheins. Der lteste Till kommt vor in Kontakt mit Mindel-Deckenschottern, es gibt jedoch keine Hinweise auf eine glaziale bertiefung in dieser Zeit. Die meisten glazialen und Schmelzwasser-Ablagerungen werden drei groen Vergletscherungen des Rheingletschers zugeordnet. Diese Vorlandvergletscherungen sind mit drei Generationen glazialer Becken verknpft. Die ltesten Becken sind zur Donau orientiert, die aus der letzten Vereisung entwssern zum Rhein. Diese Reorientierung bewirkte die hervorragende rumliche Auflsung der Sedimente und Formen. Traditionell wurden die Sedimente in einem chronostratigraphischen System aus glazialen und interglazialen Stufen beschrieben. Unsere Ziele in dieser Arbeit sind, eine Aktualisierung des chronostratigraphischen Systems vorzustellen, das neue, beim geologischen Dienst von Baden-Wrttemberg angewandte, lithostratigraphische Schema zu erklren und die wichtigsten neuen Einheiten kurz zu beschreiben. Pleistocene, Rhineglacier, chronostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy, Deckenschotter, glacial deposits, overdeepening

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: Dr. D. Ellwanger, Dr. U. Wielandt-Schuster, Dr. Matthias Franz, Prof. Dr. Th. Simon, Regierungsprsidium Freiburg (Abteilung 9 LGRB), Albertstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg i. Br. E-Mail: dietrich.ellwanger@rpf.bwl.de

1 Introduction 2 The Basics: Observations and concepts 2.1 Traditional mapping and research 2.2 New key observations and re-interpretations 2.3 Time markers 2.3.1 Neogene Mammal Zone MN 17 2.3.2 Pollen assemblages 2.3.2.1 The Early Pleistocene pollen sequence of Unterpfauzenwald 2.3.2.2 Holsteinian Pollen assemblages 2.3.2.3 Eemian Pollen assemblages 2.3.2.4 Holocene Pollen assemblages 2.3.3 The palaeomagnetic records of Lichtenegg and Altheiligenberg 2.3.3.1 Lichtenegg 2.3.3.2 Altheiligenberg 2.3.3.3 Summary of the time markers
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3 Chronostratigraphy of the Quaternary of the Rhineglacier area 3.1 Early Pleistocene Deckenschotter (alpine river system) 3.2 Middle and Late Pleistocene ice advances of the Rhineglacier 3.3 Chronostratigraphical summary 4 Lithostratigraphy and lithostratigraphical definitions of the Quaternary of the Rhineglacier area 4.1 Hasenweiler-Formation 4.2 Illmensee-Formation 4.3 Dietmanns-Formation 4.4 Isolated glacial deposits 4.5 The pre- and periglacial fluvial environment 4.6 The Upper Rhine Graben, southern part. 5 Summary of relief evolution & discussion 6 References

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Fig. 1: Major cities and locations of the area between the Bodensee and Donau Valley, including locations referring to the formations and members of the new lithostratigraphical terms (ch. 4). Also included are the major terminal moraine walls of the Rhineglacier; continuous lines: maximum advances of the Wrmian (W), Rissian (R), and Hosskirchian (H) glaciations; dashed lines: readvances embracing glacially overdeepened basins. Cf. Fiebig 1995, 2003, LGRB 2005, Ellwanger 2003. Abb. 1: Wichtige Stdte in der Bodenseeregion und dem Donautal sowie die namengebenden Orte der neuen lithostratigraphischen Einheiten (siehe Kapitel 4). Die Hauptmornenendwlle des Rheingletschers der Wrm-, Riss- und Hosskirch-Eiszeiten sind als durchgezogene Linien dargestellt (W, R und H). Die Mornenwlle der Wiedervorste (gepunktete Linien) umranden die glazial bertieften Becken. Siehe hierzu auch Fiebig 1995, 2003, LGRB 2005, und Ellwanger 2003.

1 introduction The topography of the southwest German Alpine Foreland is the result of erosion (mainly of Tertiary bedrock) and deposition in the Quaternary (of mainly fluvial, glacial and lacustrine sediments). The major landforms were shaped by ice and meltwaters of the Rhineglacier in the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Before that, the area hosted several great rivers that are reconstructed using remnants of their fluvial sediments. Remnants of the eldest Deckenschotter (Donau-Deckenschotter) are found only in the nearby Bavarian and Swiss parts of the Alpine Foreland.

The area may be subdivided in four parts (Figs. 1, 2, 3): - A deep central foreland basin (the Bodensee-Stammbecken) forms the core of the amphitheatre like modern topography. It is the prolongation of the overdeepened alpine Rhine Valley and surrounded by overdeepened branch basins. All are filled with lacustrine sediments. There are highlands between the branch basins covered by drumlin moraines. An end moraine wall that represents a major readvance of the ice engulfs the branch basins and drumlin fields. Concentrically outside this inner moraine wall, a till plain with relics of the ice decay extend towards an outer end moraine. Principally the same holds for all
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Fig. 2: Compilation of overdeepened basins of the Rhineglacier (north and west of the Bodensee) and the diachronous most extensive ice margin. Cf. Ellwanger et al. 1995, 2011. Abb. 2: Zusammenstellung aller glazial bertieften Becken des Rheingletschers (nrdlich und westlich des Bodensees) und der sich aus mehreren Gletschervorsten ergebenden maximalen Eisbedeckung. Siehe hierzu Ellwanger et al. 1995, 2011.

three large foreland glaciations. The amphitheatre therefore results from the backstepping overdeepening towards the Alps in each glaciation. - Northeast of the amphitheatre follows a series of fluvial terraces (Iller-Riss-Platte) representing river and meltwater systems tributary to the Donau (Danube). - Northwest of the amphitheatre there are elderly moraines with no or only shallow basins. Here, the alpine ice cover extended even beyond the Jurassic of the Swabian Alb. - To the west, some deeply incised valleys are located in continuation of the central foreland basin. Deposits include moraines and gravels that further extend towards the Hochrhein Valley (between Basel and the Bodensee) and finally to the Upper Rhine Graben (URG). The actual central basin hosts the Bodensee (Lake Constance), the largest lake north of the Alps. In some parts
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the base of Quaternary reaches down below sea level. This overdeepened surface has evolved from a pre-glacial, ramp-like topography with pre-alpine mountains and foothills and valleys of the alpine Deckenschotter rivers. The present topography northeast and northwest of the amphitheatre still preserves a northern part of the ramp. The transformation of this ramp into the overdeepened topography is the golden thread of the Quaternary story of this area. The transformation goes along with a hydrological reorientation of the area from the Donau system to the Rhine system i.e. from the Mediterranean to the North Sea. As an effect of the reorientation, each one of the three major glaciations has its own pattern of large landforms and sediment units. This is a high-resolved geomorphology that is often (not always) helpful to identify the stratigraphy

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of relief units (accommodation space) and sediment bodies (infill). This situation is unique, as in many other areas, the different ice advances keep following the same valleys. East and west of the Bodensee amphitheatre, i.e. the Bavarian Alpine Foreland and the Swiss Midlands, the foreland topography is quite different. In Bavaria, wide fluvial gravel fields prevail, all directed towards the Donau. The glacial basins are smaller and located close to the alpine margin (Doppler et al. 2011). As opposed to this, the Swiss midlands were completely covered by ice. A mountainous topography prevails that includes Molasse highlands and strongly overdeepened valleys. This area is part of the Rhine system (Preusser et al. 2011). Key areas for correlation with the Bavarian and Swiss Quaternary stratigraphy are the landsystems northeast and west of the Bodensee amphitheatre. I.e. the Deckenschotter and meltwater terraces of the Iller-Riss-Platte serve to correlate with the Bavarian terrace plains, as do the glacial basins towards the Hochrhein Valley to correlate with the Swiss midlands. An additional control is to use independent sedimentary evidence from its major sediment trap in the southern Upper Rhine Graben. To relate the special features of the neighbour regions with the highresolved patterns of the Bodensee amphitheatre remains, up to now, a major challenge. The actual chrono- and lithostratigraphy of the Bodensee-Oberschwaben area is primarily based on three data sources: (1) the results of a century of geological mapping and research, (2) new key observations, (3) time markers. All data are evaluated focussing the actual chrono- and lithostratigraphical concepts and are summarized in a morphogenetical scenario. Use of terms: Chronostratigraphy refers primarily to a (relative) time scale, lithostratigraphy to spatial correlation. Glaciation refers to ice advances in intervals of cold climate between interglacial periods. 2 the basics: observations and concepts 2.1 traditional mapping and research The stratigraphical tradition in the Alpine Foreland goes back to the first (and so far only) synopsis of the alpine Quaternary: Penck & Brckners (1901/09) circumalpine subdivision of the ice-age (Die Alpen im Eiszeitalter) came out at the beginning of the 20th century. The four units Gnz, Mindel, Riss and Wrm were introduced that, ever since, were referred to as alpine units of the Quaternary. Originally, the alpine units represented four terrace stages in prealpine valleys, i.e. this is a morphostratigraphical system referring to fluvial landforms: - Niederterrasse (Wrm, Late Pleistocene), - Hochterrasse (Riss, Middle Pleistocene), - Jngere Deckenschotter (Mindel, Early Pleistocene), - ltere Deckenschotter (Gnz, Early Pleistocene). Penck & Brckner argued that the Wrmian Niederterrasse and the Rissian Hochterrasse are correlated with adjoining (end-) moraines. They further argued that terraces outgoing from moraines were meltwater terraces. Both,

moraines and terraces, were regarded as elements of a glacial complex (Glaziale Serie). Analogue to the Wrmian and Rissian terraces, the Deckenschotter terraces (Gnz and Mindel) were also interpreted as elements of glacial complexes (Glaziale Serien). This is the basic consideration how the tetra-glacial system of the alpine Quaternary stratigraphy had been established. In the decades to come, many authors have contributed to work out the alpine system in more detail. Primarily, additional terraces were identified, though on a more or less local level and definitely not circumalpine. In parts of the Bodensee area, the four original units were mapped more precisely, some units were subdivided, new units added. Some deposits were even classified as Gnz- and Mindel aged moraines. Additional terrace units permanently established were the Donau-Deckenschotter (Eberl 1930, Lscher 1976) and the Biber-Deckenschotter (Schaefer 1965). Following the system of the glacial complexes, they were both introduced as pre-Gnz-glaciations of the socalled ltestpleistozn (most early Pleistocene or earliest Pleistocene). As correlation between the different gererations of units became more and more confusing, a revision of nomenclature was felt to be necessary. It ended up with a major re-interpretation of the Riss/Mindel, Mindel/Gnz, and Gnz/Donau boundaries (Graul 1962, Schdel & Werner 1963). After revision, more units were added: the HaslachDeckenschotter (between Gnz and Mindel, Schreiner & Ebel 1981, GLA 1995), the Jungriss-Glaciation and the Saulgau-Glaciation (both between Riss and Wrm, Schreiner 1989, 1997, Frenzel 1991, cf. Habbe 1994, 2003, 2007). Again, the new units were only identified in few locations, but this lack of evidence was felt to be a lack of exposure or of thorough mapping. In an effort to cover possibly still unidentified units in all places, the concept of complex-units was introduced. The latest terms include Wrm-Komplex, Riss-Komplex, Mindel-Komplex (or Haslach-Mindel-Komplex), Gnz-Komplex, Biber-Donau-Komplex etc. All this is only a rough summary of the history of the morphostratigraphical terms and concepts, to illustrate some of the pitfalls to be avoided when using all these highly valuable data from elderly sources. This includes the use of the geological maps in scale 1:25.000: Its last sheets have recently been completed using the latest generation or terms, but production of the first sheets had started even before Penck & Brckners circumalpine nomenclature was established. I.e. this dataset includes almost all the above add-ons, revisions and subdivisions. In our actual approach, many results of the morphostratigraphical maps and papers are further used after being transformed accordingly. This includes terminal moraines, patterns of terrace stratigraphy, but also features related to the relief as fossil soil successions or periglacial sediment covers (pedostratigraphy). Some large relief elements, e.g. glacial basins serving as major sediment traps, are now much more focussed upon than before. Other elements of the morphostratigraphical approach had to be re-interpreted or even abandoned. This includes the use of Pencks glacial complex regarding the Deckenschotter
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Fig. 3: Schematical cross section of the amphitheatre of the Bodensee area, from the alpine front in the south, to the terrace-landscape and Donau Valley in the north: Top, 3rd backdrop: surface of the former foothills in the Early Pleistocene (Gelasian super stage), acting as watershed between the Bavarian Donau-Deckenschotter and the Swiss Hhere Hochrhein-Deckenschotter i.e. between the valleys of Donau and Rhine. Upper middle, 2nd backdrop: niveau of an Early Pleistocene Deckenschotter valley (Calabrian super stage), representing the evolving valley of the alpine Rhine. Lower middle, 1st backdrop: Bodensee amphitheatre, niveau of the surface of three generations of Middle and Late Pleistocene highs between glacial basins (Hasenweiler-, Illmensee-, and Dietmanns-Fm.), covered by drumlins, kames, kame terraces etc. Front (main section): Bodensee-amphitheatre, niveau of the surface of three generations of overdeepened glacial basins (Dietmanns-, Illmensee- and Hasenweiler-Fm.) The actual Bodensee marks the central basin where deposition is still ongoing. North of the amphitheatre, the old surface of the Early Pleistocene Deckenschotter is only modified by fluvial erosion shown by fluvial terrace levels towards the Donau Valley. This landsystem exhibits an overall negative sediment budget. Its thickest and best-resolved sediment successions are hosted within the overdeepened glacial basins. Together with correlative terminal moraines (of the readvances of the Hosskirchian = Hi, Rissian = Ri, and Wrmian = Wi stages), the unconformities are used to subdivide the sediment succession into formations. Cf. Fiebig 1995, 2003, LGRB 2005, Ellwanger 2003, Ellwanger et al. 2011. Abb. 3: Schematischer Schnitt durch das Amphitheater des Bodenseegebiets von den Alpen im Sden (links) bis zur Terrassenlandschaft des Donautals im Norden (rechts): Oben, 3te Kulisse: Ehemalige Vorberge des Unteren Pleistozn (Gelasium). Sie trennten als eine Wasserscheide die Abflsse Richtung Donau und Rhein und somit die Donau-wrtigen Deckenschotter Bayerns von den Schweizer Hheren Hochrhein-Deckenschottern. Obere Mitte, 2te Kulisse: Niveau des unterpleistoznen Deckenschottertales (Calabrium), des sich entwickelnden Alpenrheins. Untere Mitte, 1te Kulisse: Bodensee Amphitheater, Schnitt durch die Hochgebiete des Mittleren und Oberen Pleistozn (drei Generationen: Hasenweiler-, Illmensee-, und Dietmanns- Formationen) zwischen den Glazialbecken; Die Landshaft ist geprgt von Drumlins, Kames und Kamesterrassen etc. Vorne (Hauptschnitt): Bodensee-Amphitheater, Schnitt durch die bertieften Glazialbecken der Dietmanns-, Illmensee- and Hasenweiler- Formationen) Der Bodensee selbst stellt das zentrale Becken der letzten Vergletscherung dar, in dem die Ablagerung unvermindert fortdauert. Nrdlich des eigentlichen Amphitheaters wird die alte Oberflche der frhpleistoznen Deckenschotterlandschaft nur durch fluviale Erosion berprgt, was sich in den Fluterrassen Richtung Donautal ausdrckt. Dieses Landschaftssystem ist durch ein generell negatives Sedimentbudget charakterisiert. Die Glazialbecken enthalten die mchtigsten und hochauflsendsten Sedimentabfolgen. Die basalen Diskontinuittsflchen und ihre zugehrigen Endmornen (der Wiedervorste der Hosskirch = Hi, Riss = Ri, und Wrm = Wi Eiszeiten) werden herangezogen um die Abfolgen in Formationen zu gliedern. Siehe auch Fiebig 1995, 2003, LGRB 2005, Ellwanger 2003, Ellwanger et al. 2011.

units and the position of some stratigraphical boundaries. The first steps towards lithostratigraphy were the observations of Schdel (1950, 1953) that the Deckenschotter gravels in the Bodensee area differ not only in position, but also in petrographical composition: He found out that the higher niveaus are poor in crystalline pebbles (< 5 %) but rich in dolomite (highest terrace, e.g. Donau-aged), respectively rich in helvetic limestones (middle level, e.g. Gnz-aged). Only the Mindel-aged gravels of the lowest terrace are rich in crystalline (> 10 %, sometimes up to 35 %). Obviously, this reflects differences in sediment provenance.

2.2 new key observations and re-interpretations Improved information on Quaternary sediments became available as drilling activities increased. Cores and samples come from both, research projects and studies of Applied Geology (e.g. Hydrogeology, Raw Materials, Engineering Geology). The identification of the geometry of sediment bodies and the correlation of sedimentary units were used to supplement the traditional morphostratigraphical correlation. To make Quaternary stratigraphy serve as a correlation tool further on, an updated system will have to focus more strongly on sediments, i.e. it has to be shifted towards

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lithostratigraphy. The mere inclusion of drilling results into the old concepts is not enough; we strongly believe that some conceptual re-adjustments are also inevitable. The basic considerations are: - More emphasis than before is given to Penck & Brckners basic distinction of Deckenschotter (Gnzian, Mindelian) and terrace gravels (Rissian, Wrmian). Terrace gravels are related to large foreland glaciations where terminal moraine walls and other morainic landforms and sediments are hosted in an amphitheatre topography that also includes the overdeepened glacial branch- basins. There is no evidence of a likewise overdeepened topography related to the Deckenschotter units. They are suggested to represent an alpine fluvial system (Fig. 2 and Fig. 8) that is preserved in buttes, large gravel-filled channels and gravel terraces (Fig. 3 and Ellwanger 2003). - A series of deep core drillings into the glacial basin of Hosskirch (Fig. 1) revealed sub- and proglacial deposits grading up into interglacial deposits of Holsteinian age at the bottom of the basin, well below of a butte of MindelDeckenschotter. Here, a new major alpine glacial unit had to be introduced between the Mindel-Deckenschotter and the Rissian unit (Ellwanger et al. 1995, Ellwanger 2003). It has been labelled Hosskirch glaciation. Hosskirchian glacial and periglacial sediments were also mapped elsewhere: either outside of the Rissian terminal moraines, or beneath the Rissian till sheets. Alike to the setting of the Hosskirch Basin, the stratigraphical identification of Hosskirchian sediments is best if a Holsteinian time marker is available. Including the Hosskirchian unit, there is evidence of three major glaciations in the Bodensee area (Hosskirchian, Rissian, Wrmian). - All three major glaciations (Wrmian, Rissian, Hosskirchian) turn out to be twincycles (Figs. 1 & 4) that include two major ice advances (Fiebig 1995, 2003, STD 2002). Each advance is represented by (Fig. 3) a till sequence, sometimes associated with other sediments of advancing and/or downmelting ice. The overdeepened basins usually contain a succession of glaciolacustrine, lacustrine and peri- to postglacial deposits; they clearly indicate the final downmelting of the ice (there is no subglacial till). There are three types of assemblages: (a) bold terminal moraines (often push moraines) associated with a till sequence that is dominated by sands and gravels of downmelting stagnant ice (kames and eskers), (b) terminal moraines associated with drumlinized till (drumlin fields) featuring advancing ice, and (c) terminal moraines more or less closely engulfing the overdeepened basins (their infill again featuring downmelting). The terminal moraines in (b) and (c) represent the same ice advances. - The major erosion is a matter of huge sediment discharge from inside and outside of the alpine margin. The mass deficit has to be complemented with a mass surplus elsewhere. The Upper Rhinegraben (URG) serves as the first major sediment basin of the Rhine system between the Alps and the North Sea. At its southern end is a huge fan of alpine debris. Here, numerous drillings reveal a sediment succession that includes in its upper part two impressive horizons with coarse components in a poorly sorted matrix. They are suggested to be correlative with the basin erosion unconformities of the glacial basins at

the alpine margin, reflecting the high sediment transport dynamics of the erosion events (erosion-accumulation-systems, Ellwanger 2003). This scenario is directly applied for the last and penultimate glaciation. Regarding the prepenultimate generation of glacial basin (Hosskirchian), the correlative sediment patterns in the Upper Rhine Graben (URG) become more complicated. There was probably less sediment input from the Rhine Glacier (that was still more directed towards the Donau valley), and increased subsidence (in the URG) and uplift (at the margin) have to be considered (e.g. Gabriel et al. 2008). - The correlation of basin erosion events with the coarse horizons in the URG implies huge sediment volumes to be transferred through the Hochrhein Valley in a short time. In this process, the valley suffered strong morphogenesis. Large terrace levels were created mainly by erosion. Only in some wide parts of the valley, accumulation sporadically continued, e.g. the massive coarse horizon in Wyhlen (cf. Geotop Wyhlen 2007). There are two main terrace levels (Hochterrasse, Niederterrasse). Their gravel bodies are often composed by multiple gravel cycles that may even comprise quite elderly accumulation periods, e.g. of older glacial cycles. If at all, only the terrace surfaces may be considered as element of a glacial series, not the gravel body. Combining the above with the traditional approach to Quaternary forms and sediments, the distinction between glacial and non-glacial sedimentary environments (i.e. fluvial, lacustrine) becomes more specific. Not only the Deckenschotter gravels, but also parts of the Middle and Late Pleistocene terrace gravels are now considered to be of fluvial i.e. non-glacial origin. This is a major difference to the classical concept still using the glacial series. We now interpret fluvial sediments as fluvial sediments, and not as an indirect proof of a glacial source; this is less hypothetical than the classical approach. In consequence, a glacial setting now has to be primarily identified by subglacial deposits (e.g. till). The above results may be combined with time markers to set up a chronostratigraphical system updating the traditional morphostratigraphy, or they may be used to establish a lithostratigraphy of unconformity-bounded sediment units. The latter would be basically a sequence stratigraphic approach that also includes the potential to predict certain features, as sediment successions or the range of future ice advances. Both systems are state-of-the-art; it depends on the issue to be solved, which is more appropriate. 2.3 time markers The incorporation of time markers is inevitable in chronostratigraphy and quite helpful to control correlation in lithostratigraphy. The time markers used here come from biostratigraphy and palaeomagnetism; they comprise the European Neogene Mammal Zone 17 (MN17), the pollen assemblages of the north-west-European warm periods of the Bavelian, the Holsteinian and the Eemian, and the Matuyama Epoch of the palaeomagnetic record. For various reasons, physical age estimates, e.g. luminescence datings (OSL), are not included. That is because, up to now, there are too few state of the art studies delivering reliable physical ages of the Rhineglacier area, to
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be competitive with the biostratigraphical markers. Still we quote some actual studies of different units as examples: - Wrmian: luminescence datings by Kock et al. (2009) and Frechen et al. (2010) deliver inconsistent ages although identical samples were taken (Niederterrassenschotter, Hochrhein-valley). - Rissian: luminescence dating by Dehnert et al. (2010), Swiss midlands, discussed by Preusser et al. (2011). - Holsteinian: luminescence dating by Klasen (2008) and the palynological interpretation by Mller (2001) may or may not be consistent, depending on the absolute age of the Holsteinian (cf. discrepancy of STD 2002 and Cohen & Gibbard 2010). - Deckenschotter: burial age dating by Huselmann et al. (2007). This study refers to Deckenschotter in Bavaria, further discussed by Doppler et al. (2011). The absolute ages will be needed to estimate sedimentation rates or transport volumes. Presently we use the STD (2002) to transform biostratigraphical markers and sediment units into a geochronological frame (e.g. Neeb et al. 2004). In this way some preliminary estimates of sedimentation rates can be achieved already today. Any more detailed quantitative scenario will need a more accurate time frame. The stratigraphical markers used here are listed in the context of their sediment succession and interpreted with regard to the chronostratigraphy of the sediments (locations cf. Fig. 1). 2.3.1 neogene mammal Zone mn 17 The MN 17 marker is known from a series of overbank fine sediments overlying some of the eldest Deckenschotter remnants east and west of the Bodensee area in the Bavarian and Swiss Alpine Foreland: In Bavaria the Uhlenberg-Deckenschotter (Biber-Donau-Deckenschotter, cf. Schdel 1950, Ellwanger, Fejfar & von Koenigswald 1994, Doppler & Jerz 1995, Doppler 2003), in Switzerland the Irchel Deckenschotter (Hhere Deckenschotter, cf. Verderber 1992, 2003, Graf 1993, 2009, Bolliger et al. 1996). Accordingly the Donau-aged Deckenschotter represents the Gelasian super-stage of the Early Pleistocene (STD 2002, Cohen & Gibbard 2010). 2.3.2 Pollen assemblages 2.3.2.1 the Early Pleistocene pollen sequence of unterpfauzenwald The peat of Unterpfauzenwald (Iller-Riss-Platte near Leutkirch) is associated with an isolated till unit. The sediment succession begins with a gravel-unit of crystalline-poor ltere Deckenschotter with a weathered palaeosol-surface. Next follows a lower till sequence grading into fines and a peat containing the pollen flora. One or two till sequences of an upper till unit and strongly weathered periglacial sediments cover the peat. Both till-units contain > 10 % of crystalline pebbles i.e. they postdate the crystalline-poor ltere Deckenschotter. (4) Periglacial fine sediments, strongly weathered; (3) Upper till unit;
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(2) Lower till unit grading into peat, pollen assemblage; (1) Gravel of ltere Deckenschotter, palaeosol. The pollen assemblage includes Tsuga, Pterocarya and Ostrya that allows for correlation with the Early Pleistocene Bavelian stage (Hahne et al. 2010). An earlier interpretation by Gttlich (1974) suggested a Holsteinian age that is not compatible with Tsuga and Ostrya. W. Bludau suggested an age Cromerian or older (Bibus et al.1996). Accepting the correlation with the Bavelian, the lower till unit represents an Early Pleistocene ice advance, either as cold period within the Bavelian or as an equivalent of the northwest European Menapian cold stage. 2.3.2.2 Holsteinian Pollen assemblages Pollen assemblages that are attributed to the Holsteinian interglacial period were identified in various deep basins of the first generation, but also in some shallow basins and, in one case, within a gravel succession formerly attributed to the penultimate glaciation. The pollen assemblages include Abies almost continuously in various values, and in many cases (not always) Fagus & Pterocarya in the upper part of the succession (Hahne 2010). In the deep basins, the succession usually begins with diamicton grading up into glaciolacustrine fine sediments with few pebbles (dropstones) and further up into laminated and massive lacustrine fines. This is where the pollen faunas usually occur. Depending on the position of the basin, the fines may be covered by glacial sediments or by meltwater sediments of the next younger glaciation. (4) Sediments of the penultimate glaciation (Rissian), e.g. till or meltwater sediments; (3) Lacustrine fine sediments, Holsteinian pollen assemblage; (2) Glaciolacustrine sediments of the prepenultimate glaciation (Hosskirchian); (1) Diamicton. This kind of sediment succession including reliable Holsteinian pollen assemblages was identified in the glacial basins of Tannwald and Hosskirch (det. Bludau, Ellwanger et al. 1995, cf. Hahne 2010). In the Singen Basin (det. Bludau, Hahne 2010) the pollen-rich sediments were more sand-dominated and are probably less reliable (see Fig. 7). Also in the Waldburg basin Holsteinian pollen assemblages were found, but, in this case, not in a succession proper (Fiebig 1995). Another reliable Holsteinian pollen flora is described from the shallow basin at Bittelschiess (Bludau in Schirmer 1995, Bibus & Ksel, 1996, Mller 2001, outcrop evolution cf. Ellwanger et al. 2011). It occurs within the finegrained bottom sets of an otherwise gravely delta unit. Another Holsteinian datum comes from fluvial gravels at Schmiecher See (det. Grger 1995, cf. Hahne in Ellwanger, Simon & Ufrecht 2009). 2.3.2.3 Eemian Pollen assemblages Only few Pollen assemblages that are attributed to the Eemian interglacial have yet been detected in the second generation of deep glacial basins. Best in the area of the Rhineglacier is the succession in the deep glacial basins of Bad

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Wurzach (Wurzach Basin, Grger & Schreiner 1993) that includes, beside of the Eemian, a succession of interstadials of the early and middle Wrmian. Two Eemian deposits are reported from the Hosskirch Basin (det. Bludau, Ellwanger et al. 1995, Hahne 2010), and from the Singen Basin (det. Bludau, Szenkler, Bertleff, & Ellwanger 1997, and Szenkler & Bock 1999). Most Eemian deposits are from shallow intramoraine basins on the till plains of the penultimate glaciation. They are usually not covered by till, though some controversies still remain open. Examples are the shallow basins from Krumbach (Frenzel & Bludau 1987), Framoos (Mller 2001) and Jammertal (Mller, 2000) 2.3.2.4 Holocene Pollen assemblages The infill of the last generation of glacial basins ends up with fine sediments that are commonly believed to represent the Holocene. This is usually not controlled but has exemplarily been verified in the Hasenweiler Basin (det. Knipping). 2.3.3 the palaeomagnetic records of Lichtenegg and Altheiligenberg 2.3.3.1 Lichtenegg The succession of till and lacustrine sediments at Lichtenegg and at Schienerberg are the only two sites in the Rheinglacier area where glacial deposits follow after, and are overlain by gravels of the Deckenschotter (for the Jngere Deckenschotter at Schiener Berg cf. Schreiner 2003 and Graf 2009). There are several descriptions of the unique sediment succession of Lichtenegg that include a discussion of the palaeomagnetical results (Ellwanger et al. 1995, Ellwanger, Fiebig, & Heinz 1999, Bibus & Ksel 2003). A detailed description of the lithofacies is provided by Menzies & Ellwanger 2010. The succession starts with about 5 m of grey and brown gravels, sand and fines (including up to 10 % of crystalline pebbles). It is followed by several sequences of almost steel-grey subglacial and glaciolacustrine till (3040 m), grading into lacustrine sediments (20 m). With an unconformity a brown sand-dominated succession with a palaeosol follows and is overlain by still another till sequence (15 m). Another unconformity follows as basis of quite coarse gravels (8 m). They are finally overlain by a package of > 20 m of massive gravels, very coarse and quite proximal (Jngere = Mindel-Deckenschotter). Analyses of the magnetic orientation of some finegrained layers come to the result that several reliable samples are inversely magnetised (Fromm 1989, Rolf 1992). Although some questions regarding subglacial and diagenetic deformation are still in discussion, the sediment succession should be deposited in a period of inverse magnetic polarity, probably the Matuyama epoch. 2.3.3.2 Altheiligenberg The deposits at Altheiligenberg represent the upper part of the crystalline-poor Heiligenberg Schotter that is clearly

appertained to as lterer Deckenschotter (Schdel 1950, Ellwanger et al. 1995). At Altheiligenberg, the gravels alternate with some sand- and silt-dominated horizons. Their magnetic orientation was again analysed by Fromm (1989) and Rolf (1992). The samples from the silt-horizon showed clearly an inverse magnetisation and probably also represent the Matuyama Epoch. 2.3.3.3 summary of the time markers The presently available time markers, as relevant of the Bodensee area, are subsumed in Tab. 1: They represent the Gelasian and Calabrian stages of the Early Pleistocene, the Holsteinian of the Middle Pleistocene, the Eemian of the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene. No evidence of the Cromerian stage of the early Middle Pleistocene has yet been recorded. 3 Chronostratigraphy of the Quaternary of the rhineglacier area Following Litt (2007, et al. 2005) and STD (2002), the definition of chronostratigraphical units (stages) of the Quaternary can be based upon the glacial-interglacial patterns, terrace stratigraphical levels (morphostratigraphy) and time markers. In the Bodensee area this leads to a succession as shown in Tab. 1 (right column). The basic division again subsumes two elements: an elderly system of Early Pleistocene alpine river gravels (Deckenschotter), and a younger system of foreland glaciations of the later Middle and Late Pleistocene. There is a gap in the early Middle Pleistocene as no evidence of sediments of this time slice has yet been identified in the Bodensee area (Tab. 2). This pattern follows the classical scheme of Penck & Brckner (1901/09), who describe a great interglacial (Grosses Interglazial) in the position of the gap. Going into more detail, the Deckenschotter and the great glaciations are further differentiated relying on morphostratigraphy: In case of Deckenschotter supplemented by sediment petrography, in case of the glacial deposits by typical lithofacies successions. In both cases, the classification is controlled by time markers (Tabs 1 & 2). 3.1 Early Pleistocene deckenschotter (alpine river system) There are three Deckenschotter units: The Donau-Deckenschotter (Biber-Donau), the Gnz-Deckenschotter, and the Mindel-Deckenschotter (Tab. 1). As outlined above, their identification refers to morphostratigraphy and petrographical composition. The yet available Deckenschotter time markers refer to the record of the Neogene Mammal Zones, the palaeomagnetic record, and the palynostratigraphical record. The Bavarian Donau-Deckenschotter (ltestpleistozn, Eopleistozn, earliest Pleistocene), and the Swiss Irchel Deckenschotter, host the Mammal Zone MN 17 that represents the Gelasian stage, formerly late Pliocene, now Early Pleistocene (STD 2002, Cohen & Gibbard 2010). The inverse magnetic inclination from Altheiligenberg and Lichtenegg suggests that the Gnz stage and the
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Tab. 1: Time markers (2.3) and local chronostratigraphical stages (3) of the Bodensee area (in brackets (): not recorded). Tab. 1: Zeitmarken (2.3) und lokale chronostratigraphische Stufen (3) der Bodenseeregion (in Klammern (): nicht berliefert). time markers standard stages Holocene late Eemian Holsteinian (MnQ1) (Cromerian) Great alpine rivers Deckenschotter Bavelian (Waalian) (Eburonian) Gelasian (tiglian) (pretiglian) Mn 17 Matuyama Calabrian Early (Menapian) Jngere Deckenschotter (Mindel) Glacial and interglacial units (stages) tarantian Wrmian Eemian rissian Holsteinian Hosskirchian Palynostratigraphy mammal Zones Palaeomagnetics

Chronostratigraphy of the bodensee area

Middle

ionian

pleistocene

(Brunhes)

ltere Deckenschotter (Gnz) lteste Deckenschotter (Donau)

Tab. 2: Comparison of chronostratigraphical terms used in Switzerland, Bavaria and Baden-Wrttemberg; formerly used terms in brackets (). Tab. 2: Vergleich der chronostratigraphischen Begriffe der Schweiz, Bayerns und Baden-Wrttembergs; frher verwendete Begriffe stehen in Klammern (). Chronostratigraphy late pleistocene swiss alpine foreland last Glaciations / lGM / Birrfeld Eem sensu Welten penultimate Glaciation / Koblenz Meikirch-interglacial Middle pleistocene Habsburg Holstein pterocarya Major Glaciation Cromerian MEG / Mhlin Morphotectonic Event (Jngere) Mindel-Deckenschotter (ltere) Gnz-Deckenschotter (lteste) Donau-Deckenschotter Biber Donau Holsteinian Hosskirchian Holstein (Mindel /riss-interglacial) Mindel Gnz/Mindel-interglacial Gnz bodensee area Wrmian Eemian rissian riss (-Komplex) bavarian alpine foreland Wrm (-Komplex) Eem (riss/Wrm-interglacial)

tiefere Deckenschotter Early pleistocene (Calabrian)

Hhere Deckenschotter

Mindel stage are part of the Matuyama epoch (Fromm 1989, Rolf 1992). They postdate the Donau-Deckenschotter representing younger intervals of the Early Pleistocene. This is supported by the identification of the Bavelian warm period in the peat of Unterpfauzenwald. The peat overlies an isolated deposit of crystalline-rich till (Mindel stage, Tab. 1). This view corresponds well with the stratigraphical classification by Graf (2009) of upper and lower Deckenschotter of Switzerland, but is opposed to
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the interpretation of the Deckenschotter of the Bavarian Alpine Foreland according to which the Mindel stage and part of the Gnz stage are already part of the Middle Pleistocene (Doppler 2003). The chronostratigraphy of the Deckenschotter interval as suggested here (Tabs. 1 & 2) seems conclusive, also regarding available time markers. It covers the Early Pleistocene in poor resolution, but this is not surprising in a terrace stratigraphical setting that is primarily controlled

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Fig. 4: Endmornen und Glazialbecken der Wrm-Eiszeit als ein Beispiel fr glaziale Doppelzyklen: Das bertiefte Bodenseebecken im Zentrum und davon radial ausgehende langgestreckte Zweigbecken, die vom Endmornenwall des Wrm-Wiedervorstoes umrahmt werden. Die tiefeingreifende Beckenerosion entsteht beim Wiedervorsto. Dagegen bedeckt der Gletscher des ersten Vorstoes zur ueren Wrmendmorne (Wa) eine wesentlich grere Flche. Siehe hierzu auch Fiebig 1995, 2003, Ellwanger et al. 2011. Abb. 4: Terminal moraines and glacial basins of the Wrmian stage, as an example of a twincycle glaciation: The overdeepened Bodensee Basin in the centre, radially embraced by elongated branch basins that are encircled by the terminal moraine wall of the Wrmian readvance. Deep basin erosion corresponds to this readvance. Whereas the first Wrmian ice advance to the outer Wrmian moraine (Wa) covered a much wider area. Cf. Fiebig 1995, 2003, Ellwanger et al. 2011.

by tectonics. A far better resolution of this time slice has been identified in the nearby Heidelberg Basin of the Upper Rhine Graben (Gabriel et al. 2008). 3.2 middle and Late Pleistocene ice advances of the rhineglacier The chronostratigraphical record of the Middle and Late Pleistocene glaciations of the Rhineglacier comprises the three glacial stages Hosskirchian, Rissian and Wrmian, and the interglacial stages Holsteinian and Eemian (their palynological records also serving as time markers). In geological mapping the sediment surfaces are also differentiat-

ed by the thickness of their cover of weathered and periglacial sediments (Schreiner & Haag 1982, Bibus & Ksel 1996). The cover averages about 1 m overlying Wrmian sediment surfaces, about 23 m including the Eem fossil soil in the Rissian and about 34 m or more including several fossil soils in pre-Rissian surfaces. All three glacial units are composed of sediments of two major ice-advances. Their extend is marked by an outer and an inner wall of terminal moraines (twin-cycle, cf. Fiebig, 1995, 2003, STD 2002). Each of the ice margins engulfs a glacial landsystem of different subglacial to proglacial sediments and landforms (Fig. 4): within the margin of the first ice advance (usually the outer = maximum margin), ele315

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ments of downmelting ice prevail at the land surface, as eskers, kames and kames terraces. They are best preserved in the Wrmian = last glacial maximum, LGM. Within the margin of the readvance there are two different systems of sediments and landforms: one is primarily related to active ice (frequently drumlins), the other subsumes the deeply incised glacial basins and their sediment infill (Fig. 3). In spite of their highly resolvable erosion and sedimentation patterns, the two advances of the twin-cycles are subsumed in only one substage in the chronostratigraphical record (e.g. late Wrmian, Oberwrm). This substage marks the culmination of a series of earlier cold-warm variations that have far less effects regarding erosion and sedimentation (e.g. the substages of the early and middle Wrmian, Grger & Schreiner 1993). Most of the cold phases of the record are considered to represent periglacial cold climate, but some were also suggested to possibly represent additional ice advances (cf. Frenzel 1991, LGRB 1995, 2002, STD 2002; single cycles sensu Fiebig 1995, 2003). This state-of-the-art chronostratigraphical scheme goes well beyond the classical glacial/interglacial scheme as introduced by Penck & Brckner (1901/09), in spite of the continuous use of the terms Riss and Wrm that were originally more closely focussed upon sediments and landforms (morphostratigraphy). However, the refocus of the morphostratigraphical approach towards chronostratigraphy was also initiated by Penck & Brckner introducing an early Wrm oscillation called Laufenschwankung. 3.3 Chronostratigraphical summary The stratigraphical succession of the Early, Middle and Late Pleistocene begins with the Early Pleistocene Deckenschotter. They are interpreted in terms of an alpine fluvial system. Its terrace patterns and lithology are suggested to reflect the changing local palaeotopography, not climate, and it contains huge hiatuses. The oldest yet known till deposits of an early Rhineglacier are related to the youngest Deckenschotter subunit (Mindel). The Middle and Late Pleistocene comprise three glacial units in post-Deckenschotter position, Hosskirch, Riss und Wrm. Each unit shows good evidence of two ice advances of the Rhineglacier. The interglacial record comprises the Holsteinian, the Eemian and the Holocene (Tab. 1). The Quaternary chronostratigraphy of the Rhineglacier area as presented here is in parts quite different from systems used in neighbouring areas. The main differences concern the early Middle Pleistocene time interval. Here, a hiatus is suggested in the Rhineglacier area, which is correlated with various stratigraphical units in the schemes of Bavaria and Switzerland (Tab. 2): - In the Bavarian scheme, the early Middle Pleistocene is represented by the Gnz-, Haslach- and Mindel-Deckenschotter (Doppler 2003). The transition from Deckenschotter units to the Rissian stage (elderly moraines and high terraces, Hochterrasse) is marked by the Holsteinian interglacial stage (Samerberg II, Grger 1983). - In the Swiss scheme, the early Middle Pleistocene is represented by the most extensive and the extensive glaciation. Here, the transition from Deckenschotter to the glaciations is marked by a morphotectonic event, probably
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still in the Early Pleistocene (Preusser 2009, Graf 2009). Obviously, the schemes of Bavaria and Switzerland reflect extreme positions that will be difficult to correlate with each other. The Rhineglacier chronostratigraphical scheme comes almost as a compromise between the extremes, but it is primarily an attempt to meet the different evidences of the Bodensee area. To resolve the highly differentiated sediments and landforms of the three twincycle ice advances, the twincycle substages are often subdivided into a couple of lithofacies units (e.g. the late Wrmian = Oberwrm substage in the geological map 1:25.000 sheet 8225 Kisslegg). Here, an approach might be more consistent that is based on a lithostratigraphical scheme. 4 Lithostratigraphy and lithostratigraphical definitions of the Quaternary of the rhineglacier area The lithostratigraphical division of the Quaternary of this area is designed to define and correlate geological units primarily based upon sedimentary features. With regard to the negative sediment budget of the Alpine Foreland, the sediment units are unconformity-bounded. Their first order unconformities are the major erosion surfaces that cause the deepening of the landsystems at the alpine margin, their second order unconformities are related to ice advances or large fluvial terrace-systems. Following the recommendations of Steininger & Piller (1999) and LGRB (2005), the formation (Fm.) serves as the central unit in the lithostratigraphical scheme. Units of higher order are supergroup, group and subgroup; the formation will be subdivided in member, key horizon resp. lithofacies unit and finally bed or layer. The elements key horizon- resp. facies unit are here informally used (advised by E. Nitsch, Freiburg, pers. comm.), e.g. to cover correlative continuities of erosion events (following the concept of dual lithostratigraphy by Lutz et al. 2005). Lithostratigraphical symbols follow the SEP 3 standards (Denino-Thiessen et al. 2002, LGRB 2011, E. Nitsch, pers. comm.). The formations refer to the four areas outlined above, i.e. to the various sedimentary environments and to sediment preservation. - Central part of the Rhineglacier area, between Bodensee and Donau Valley: This is a primarily glacial environment, covered by three formations that also include fluvial and lacustrine deposits. Three major unconformities generate the boundaries of the formations, they refer to the three generations of overdeepened basins and, basically, the Bodensee amphitheatre as outlined above (Hasenweiler-Fm., Illmensee-Fm., Dietmanns-Fm.). - Each formation is subdivided into members representing different combinations of glacial, fluvial and lacustrine sediments. Regarding different till assemblages, there are glacial members labelling different parts of till sequences: - Succession with active ice sediments lying below sands and gravels of downmelting stagnant ice; - drumlinized till featuring advancing ice, and its - correlative downmelting sediments deposited as infill of glacial basins. - Terminal moraine sediments marking the turning point from active to downmelting ice sediments are addressed as

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key horizons. Finally, there are fluvial sediments representing both, meltwater and non-glacial systems. They are often unspecific with regard to the glacial cyclicity and from there subsumed as fluvial member. - Isolated glacial deposits: this formation comprises deposits that predate the Dietmanns-Fm. and further isolated deposits along the Hochrhein Valley. - The pre-Dietmanns deposits are subsumed as members of the Steinental-Fm. Their common feature is that they are all embedded in or covering the landsurface of the Deckenschotter landsystem, with no evidence of subglacial overdeepening. - The glacial deposits along the Hochrhein Valley are subsumed as Haseltal-Fm. They are attributed to Middle Pleistocene ice advances of the Rhone Glacier (Valais Glacier) into the Hochrhein Valley. - The nonglacial or periglacial fluvial environment is covered by three formations: the Oberschwaben-Deckenschotter-Fm., the Hochrhein-Deckenschotter-Fm., and the Rheingletscher-Terrassenschotter-Fm. - The Oberschwaben-Deckenschotter-Fm. is subdivided in different members according to differing petrographical composition of the gravels. The Hochrhein-Deckenschotter and the Rheingletscher-Terrassenschotter are subdivided into members by means of terrace levels (Hhere HochrheinDeckenschotter, Tiefere Hochrhein-Deckenschotter, Rheingletscher-Hochterrassenschotter, Rheingletscher-Niederterrassenschotter). This goes along with different amounts of surface weathering (e.g. Hochterrasse ~2 m, Niederterrasse ~1 m). - The southern URG acts as the final sediment trap for coarse alpine debris between Rhine and Rhone. Its succession has been subdivided in Neuenburg-Fm. and Breisgau-Fm. - The Neuenburg-Fm. is reflected in the huge sediment fan located between the mouth of the Hochrhein Valley and the Kaiserstuhl volcanoe. The succession consists of two cycles of fluvial gravels, each including a coarse basal event horizon (key horizon) that is suggested to represent a correlative continuity of the erosion unconformities of the Bodensee area. This deposit is suggested to be input- i.e. climate-controlled. - The composition of the gravel beds of the underlying Breisgau-Fm. ranges between well and poorly sorted. The diamictic beds include altered, weathered or even decomposed pebbles, often bearing evidence of palaeosol processes. With regard to the sediment thickness of up to 200 m, their preservation will primarily depend on subsidence. To follow, some short definitions of the formations are introduced that are suggested to constitute a lithostratigraphy of the Quaternary of the southwest German Alpine Foreland, including sub-units as members, facies units (informally introduced) and key horizons. The full definitions
Tab. 3: Lithofacies units of the Hasenweiler-Formation. Tab. 3: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten der Hasenweiler-Formation. Chronostratigraphy Holocene innenwall-Wrm Formation Hasenweiler-Fm. qHW

will be published in the internet-based Litholex of the German Stratigraphic Commission (DSK 2011 ff.). 4.1 Hasenweiler-Formation Hasenweiler-Fm. (qHW, Tab. 3, Fig. 5): unconformity-bounded lithostratigraphical unit, comprising all glacial, fluvial and lacustrine sediments deposited above the Hasenweiler unconformity (D1-unconformity). The sediments represent only one ice advance. Its active-ice- and downmelting sediments are deposited in two different locations (~ members, qHWT, qHWb). The outward boundary of the HasenweilerFm. is marked by the terminal moraines of the Innere Jungendmorne (IJE, key horizon) that reflect the maximum of the ice advance. - Sediment infill of overdeepened basins of the Hasenweiler-Fm. (Hasenweiler Beckensedimente, qHWb-Mb). Lower boundary: D1-unconformity. The typical succession reflects downmelting ice, beginning with (1) coarsegrained diamicton, grading up into (2) matrix-rich diamicton (waterlain till) and ending up with (3) laminated and massive fines. The succession terminates with (4) postglacial clay-rich or organic fines. The succession may be disrupted by intervals of diamicton (slumps) or substituted by deltaic gravels, but there is no subglacial till (cf. qHWT). Sedimentation may still be ongoing, e.g. in the actual Bodensee Basin. Sediment thickness: average 50 m, maximum > 100 m. - The Tettnang-Mb. (qHWT) refers to the till cover of the areas between the basins of the Hasenweiler-Fm. This is primarily a deformation till featuring active ice, its surface shows frequently (though not always) a drumlin relief. The till consists largely of cycles of diamicton that may be substituted by gravel-dominated sediment packages, often at the ice-up side of drumlin-landforms. Resulting from a deformable bed, the unit displays the D1-unconformity. It is the most widespread glacial unit of the Rhineglacier area, reaching from the Bodensee to the IJE terminal moraine. Sediment thickness: average 10 m, maximum 30 m. - Throughout the Hasenweiler-Fm., deposits of fluvial sands and gravels are subsumed as Hasenweiler Schotter (qHWg). They are mainly in contact with the IJE, but there are also some locally scattered downmelting gravels in large interdrumlin depressions (Tettnang-Mb.), and the quite continuous gravel-infill along larger valleys that are usually eroded below the D1-unconformity (e.g. Argen, Wolfegger Ach). Important sub-units of the members of the HasenweilerFm. are: - IJE terminal moraine (key horizon of the qHWT) marking the outward boundary of the qHW-Fm. i.e. the turning point from ice advance to downmelting. They

member Hasenweiler-Beckensediment qHWb D1-unconformity

Key horizons

tettnang-till qHWt

iJE

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Fig. 5: Glacial basins and terminal moraines of the Hasenweiler-Formation. Although the branch basins are still radially orientated, this system is almost completely focussed towards the Rhine Valley i.e. to the west. This is also indicated by the NW elongation of the central Bodensee Basin (Bodensee-Stammbecken). The highs between the branch basins are largely covered by drumlins (Tettnang-Mb.). Cf. Ellwanger et al. 2011. Abb. 5: Glazialbecken und Endmornen der Hasenweiler-Formation. Obwohl die Zweigbecken nach wie vor radial orientiert sind, ist Ihre Hauptausrichtung zum Rhein gerichtet, also nach Westen. Auch die Lngserstreckung des zentralen Bodenseebeckens (Bodensee-Stammbecken) weist nach NW. Die Hochgebiete zwischen den Zweigbecken sind weitrumig von Drumlins bedeckt (Tettnang-Subformation).

are inconspicuous landforms consisting of diamictons, gravels and sands from downmelting ice. Only few push moraines are yet known. - Bodensee-Sediment (local facies unit of the qHWb). - Eskers and related hills consisting of gravels deposited in ice-dammed channels, reflecting conspicuous landforms and sediment bodies (local facies unit of the qHWb). 4.2 illmensee-Formation Illmensee-Fm. (qIL, Tab. 4, Fig 6): unconformity-bounded lithostratigraphical unit, comprising all glacial, fluvial and lacustrine sediments deposited between Illmensee uncon318

formity (D2-unconformity) and Hasenweiler unconformity (D1-unconformity). Its sediments comprise evidence of two ice advances. Regarding the first advance, active-iceand downmelting sediments are again deposited in two different locations (~ members, qILD, qILb); the sediments of the last advance lie in stratigraphical succession (~ one member, qILK). There are two terminal moraine walls (key horizons): the Altmornen-Innenwall (last ice advance of the penultimate glaciation) marking the outward boundary of qIL, and the ussere Jungendmorne (JE), marking approximately the so-called last glacial maximum (LGM). - Sediment infill of overdeepened basins of the Illmensee-Fm. (qILb-Mb., Illmensee Beckensedimente). Lower boundary: D2-unconformity. The typical succession re-

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Fig. 6: Glacial basins and terminal moraines of the Illmensee-Formation. There are two central basins, one at the outlet of the overdeepened alpine Rhine Valley, the other in the westernmost part of the Bodensee area, leading over to the topography of the adjoining Swiss Midlands. The two central basins were probably parted by a Molasse high (its remnants are still present at the actual shore of the Bodensee). Many of the branch basins of the Illmensee-Fm. are related to the valleys that go out from the LGM terminal moraine wall and where the Rheingletscher-Niederterrassenschotter were deposited. Abb. 6: Glazialbecken und Endmornen der Illmensee-Formation. Es entstanden zwei Stammbecken, eines an der Talmndung des bertieften alpinen Rheintals, das andere im westlichen Bodenseegebiet, das zur Topographie des angrenzenden Schweizer Mittellandes berleitet. Die beiden Zentralbecken (Stammbecken) waren hchstwahrscheinlich durch ein Molasse-Hochgebiet voneinander getrennt, dessen Reste am Ufer des Bodensees noch heute vorhanden sind. Viele Zweigbecken der Illmensee-Formation stehen in Verbindung mit den Tlern, die von der ueren Jungendmorne ausgehen und in denen Niederterrassenschotter abegelagert wurden.

flects downmelting ice. It begins with (1) coarse-grained diamicton, grading up into (2) matrix-rich diamicton (waterlain till) and ends up with (3) laminated and massive fines. Again, coarser diamictic slumps or deltaic gravels may be included. Next unit to follow are sand to gravel with clay-rich or organic-rich fines (4) that may contain pollen reflecting the Eemian or early Wrmian warm climate. Further up, proglacial fines (5) continuing qILb, or gravels (qIlg) or diamicton of the Kissleg-Mb. (qILK) may follow. Push moraines of the ussere Jungendmorne (JE), displaying the most conspicuous terminal moraine

wall of the Alpine Foreland (key horizon), are frequently lobbing across the basins. - The Drmentingen-Mb. (qILD) refers to the sediment cover of elevated areas adjoining the basins of the Illmensee-Fm. outside of the JE terminal moraine. Largely, this unit features again active ice, showing a moderately drumlinized surface, with cycles of deformed diamicton. Close to the margin of the correlative qILb basins, very coarse diamicton with large boulder-blocks (correlative to the D2unconformity) may substitute the till. With increasing distance to the basins, downmelting sediments may become
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more frequent. They include sands and gravels and, within small interdrumlin basins, downmelting successions with fines and postglacial organic-rich sediments. - The Kisslegg-Mb. (qILK) refers to the till sequence and correlative deposits that cover completely the area between IJE and JE. Depending on the local topography it continues within the IJE underlying sediments of the TettnangMb. Immediately outside of the JE, it intercalates with qILg gravels. The succession begins with deformed and sheared diamicton (active-ice deposit) and continues with diamicton, sand, gravels and fines (downmelting deposits). Depending on the underlying relief, the land surface may be structured in a kame and kettle topography or in kames terraces. - Throughout the Illmensee-Fm., deposits of fluvial sands and gravels are subsumed as qILg-Mb. They are most frequently outgoing from the JE within the qILb-basins (correlative to the qRTN outside of the basins), but also locally consist of scattered downmelting deposits (large kames terraces, channel fill etc.). Important sub-units of the members of the Illmensee-Fm. are: - Altmornen-Innenwall, the terminal moraine of the qILD ice advance (key horizon, qILDe), consisting of diamictons, gravels and sands, occasionally push moraines. - uere Jungendmorne (JE), the most conspicuous terminal moraine wall of the Alpine Foreland (key horizon, qILKe), frequently push moraines. - Eskers and related hills consisting of gravels deposited in ice-dammed channels, reflecting conspicuous land forms and sediment bodies (local facies unit of the qILK).
Tab. 4: Lithofacies units of the Illmensee-Formation. Tab. 4: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten der Illmensee-Formation. Chronostratigraphy aussenwall-Wrm Mittelwrm Frhwrm Eemian innenwall-riss illmensee-Fm. qil Formation illmenseeschotter qilg member

4.3 dietmanns-Formation The Dietmanns-Fm. (qDM, Tab. 5, Fig. 7) is an unconformitybounded lithostratigraphical unit, comprising all glacial, fluvial and lacustrine sediments deposited between the Dietmanns unconformity (D3-unconformity) and the Illmensee unconformity (D2-unconformity). Its sediments again show evidence of two ice advances. The first advance again comprises a till sequence (qDMV) and the infill of glacial basins (qDMb), the second just a till sequence (qDMS). There are two ice margins, both with terminal moraines that include push moraines (Fig. 7) - Sediment infill of overdeepened basins of the Dietmanns-Fm. (qDMb-Mb., Dietmanns Beckensedimente). Lower boundary: D3-unconformaty. They represent the eldest of the yet known three generations of glacial basins. Some basins are quite deep, e.g. the Tannwald Basin at Schneidermartin almost 200 m. The typical succession reflects downmelting ice. It begins with coarse-grained diamicton, grading up into matrix-rich diamicton (waterlain till) and ends up with laminated and massive fines. Again, coarser diamictic slumps or deltaic gravels may be included. Next unit to follow are sand to gravel with clayrich or organic-rich fines that may contain pollen reflecting the Holsteinian warm climate. The sediments to follow are mostly attributed to other members, e.g. till sequences beginning with the qDMS-Mb. On several occasions the relief of this generation of glacial basins was reversed by the overlying sediments (e.g. Waldburg-Basin). - The Vilsingen-Mb. (qDMV) refers to the till cover of the elevated areas between the Dietmans basins and outside of the Altmornen-Aussenwall. The Vilsingen deposits are diamicton cycles that are often covered by several

Key horizons JE

Kisslegg-Mb. qilK

illmensee-Beckensediment qilb Drmentingen-Mb. qilD altmorneninnenwall

D2-unconformity

Tab. 5: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten der Dietmanns-Formation. Tab. 5: Lithofacies units of the Dietmanns-Formation. Chronostratigraphy aussenwall-riss early rissian Holsteinian innenwall-Hosskirch Dietmanns-Fm. qDM Formation Dietmannsschotter qDMg member scholterhaus-Mb. qDMs Key horizons altmornen-auenwall

Dietmanns-Beckensediment qDMb

Vilsingen-Mb. qDMV

D3-unconformity

pflummern-till

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Fig. 7: Glacial basins and terminal moraines of the Dietmanns-Formation. It is suggested that this time slice marks the onset of overdeepening in the area. There are radial branch basins in the eastern part of the Rhineglacier area but no central basin alike to the present Bodensee Basin can be recognized. There are also no deep basins in the northwest, where the character of the old surface of a prealpine ramp still prevails. The major branch basins are: 1 the Isny Basin (HGK 2010), 2 the Waldburg-Wurzach Basin (Fiebig 1995, 2003, Ellwanger 2003), 3 the Tannwald Basin (Ellwanger et al. 1995, Ellwanger 2003, Hahne 2010), and 4 the Hosskirch Basin (Ellwanger et al. 1995, Hahne 2010). 5, several shallow basins in the northwest follow the ice margin, including 5a delta deposits of the Holsteinian interglacial, serving as evidence for the up-river absence of deep basins (Bludau 1995, Mller 2001, Ellwanger, Fiebig & Heinz 1999, Ellwanger et al. 2011). 6 the Singen Basin (Szenkler & Bock 1999). Abb. 7: Glazialbecken und Endmornen der Dietmanns-Formation. In diesem Zeitabschnitt setzte die bertiefung in der Region ein. Es gibt radial ausgerichtete Zweigbecken im stlichen Rheingletschergebiet, aber keine Hinweise auf ein zentrales Stammbecken, vergleichbar mit dem heutigen Bodenseebecken. Es gibt auch keine tiefen Becken im Nordwesten, dort blieb der Charakter der alten Rampen-artigen Landschaft mit aueralpinen Vorbergen erhalten. Die groen Zweigbecken sind: 1 das Isny Becken (HGK 2010), 2 das Waldburg-Wurzach Becken (Fiebig 1995, 2003, Ellwanger 2003), 3 das Tannwald Becken (Ellwanger et al. 1995, Ellwanger 2003, Hahne 2010), und 4 das Hosskirch Becken (Ellwanger et al. 1995, Hahne 2010). 5, mehrere flache Becken entlang des Eisrands im Nordwesten. Darin enthalten sind Delta-Schttungen (5a), in denen das Holstein Interglazial pollenstatigraphisch nachgewiesen ist. Diese Sedimente sind der Nachweis fr das Fehlen von tiefen Becken weiter proximal (Bludau 1995, Mller 2001, Ellwanger et al. 1999, 2011). 6 das Singen Becken (Szenkler & Bock 1999).

meters of weathered periglacial sediments. They are rarely exposed. - The Scholterhaus-Mb. (qDMS) refers to the till sequence and correlative deposits inside of the Altmornen-Aussenwall. The Biberach-Scholterhaus gravel pit is the classical exposure of this till in a succession of qDMg-gravels. The till sequence consists of deformed and sheared diamicton as

active-ice deposit and diamicton, sand, gravels and fines as downmelting deposits. - Throughout the Dietmanns-Fm., deposits of fluvial sands and gravels are subsumed as Dietmanns-Schotter (qDMg-Mb.). In the adjoining periglacial area they are correlated with the Rheingletscher-Hochterrassenschotter. In the central Rhineglacier area, several gravel-cycles are in strati321

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graphical succession. In the east and west Rhineglacier area these cycles correlate with two or more terrace levels (Iller Valley, Klettgau Valley). Important sub-units of the members of the DietmannsFm. are: - Altmornen-Aussenwall, the terminal moraine of the qDMS ice advance (key horizon, qDMSe), consisting of diamictons, gravels and sands, quite often as push moraines. - Pflummern Till (qDMP), an isolated deposit of diamicton, sand and gravel located north of Riedlingen. It is suggested that it represents a sub-unit of the qDMV-Mb. 4.4 isolated glacial deposits Various isolated glacial deposits of the Rhineglacier area (Fig 8) and along the Hochrhein Valley are subsumed as Steinental-Fm. (Tab. 6) and Haseltal-Fm. (Tab. 7). The Steinental-Fm. subsumes pre-Dietmanns deposits of the Rhineglacier area, the Haseltal-Fm. refers to alpine deposits of the Rhone Glacier (Valais Glacier) along the Hochrhein Valley. Steinental-Fm. (qST): lithostratigraphical unit comprising four isolated glacial deposits. There is no evidence that any of these deposits may be related to glacial overdeepening, so they are suggested to be part of the fluvial landsystem of the Deckenschotter. - The Steinhausen-Till (qSTH) refers to a diamicton that is suggested to represent the uppermost unit of glacial till in a small stripe outside the till of the Vilsingen-Mb. between Biberach and Aitrach (Mindel moraines sensu Schreiner & Ebel 1981). It is covered by several meters of weathered periglacial sediments and only poorly exposed. It has also been identified in several wells beneath the qDMV deposits (e.g. Schreiner 1982). - The Unterpfauzenwald-Till (qSTU) refers to a glacial diamicton near Steinental (Haslach moraines sensu Schreiner & Ebel 1981). It represents the only yet known Early Pleistocene till sequence at the landsurface of the Rhineglacier area. (cf 2.3.2.1)

- The Lichtenegg-Till (qSTL) refers to a succession of diamicton, sand and gravel within Mindel-Deckenschotter in the central part of the Rhineglacier area. A detailed description has been provided by Menzies & Ellwanger (2010). (cf 2.3.3.1) - The Schrotzburg-Till (qSTS) refers to a succession of diamicton, sand and gravel that within the Tiefere Hochrhein-Deckenschotter in the western part of the Rhineglacier area. A detailed description has been provided by Graf (2009). The Haseltal-Fm. (qHS) is a lithostratigraphical unit comprising alpine glacial and lacustrine sediments along the Hochrhein Valley. It includes glacio-lacustrine and glacial sediments (qHSb, qHSB) related to different lobes of the Rhone Glacier (Valais Glacier) that overflew the Swiss Jura mountains towards the Black Forest. - The unit Haseltal-Beckensediment (qHSb) refers to glaciolacustrine and gravitative deposits in overdeepened basins and ice dammed lakes of the Rhone Glacier. - The Haseltal Basin is one of several glacial basins that are carved into crystalline and Permian rocks of the Black Forest. Lower boundary: D3-unconformity. The succession begins with diamicton reflecting downmelting ice, grading up into red and grey laminated and massive fines, and terminates with organic-rich fines that include pollen spectra of the Holsteinian (Hahne 2010). It includes packages of local debris (mainly Permian red sandstone). - In the Klettgau Valley is another deposit of fine sediments of an ice-dammed lake overlying the gravels of the Rheingletscher-Hochterrassenschotter (Verderber 1992, 2003). - The Birndorf-Mb. (qHSB) subsumes deposits of alpine debris (diamicton, gravel, sand and fines) at the southern slopes of the Black Forest. They consist of isolated kames terraces, small ice-dammed lake deposits, but also till or debris covering parts of the slopes. Their preservation depends on the local topography. 4.5 the pre- and periglacial fluvial environment The Quaternary of the fluvial environment of large valleys in the southwest German Alpine Foreland (Tab. 8) is referred to in three formations: The OberschwabenDeckenschotter (qpDO) covering the Deckenschotter remnants in the area between Bodensee and Donau Valley, the Hochrhein-Deckenschotter (qpHD) covering the western Bodensee and Hochrhein areas, and the Rheingletscher-Terrassenschotter (qRT) covering gravels of the Hoch- and Niederterrasse in both areas. They all consist of coarse fluvial gravels.

Tab. 7: Lithofacies units of the Haseltal-Formation. Tabelle 7: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten der Haseltal-Formation. Chronostratigraphy Formation member Haseltal-BeckenBirndorf-Mb. sediment qHtB qHtb

Middle pleistocene

Haseltal-Fm. qHt

Tab. 6: Lithofacies units of the Steinental-Formation. Tab. 6: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten der Steinental-Formation. Chronostratigraphy Middle pleistocene (Ois12?) Early pleistocene (Calabrian) Formation steinental-Fm. qst steinhausen-till qstH unterpfauzenwald-till qstu lichtenegg-till qstl schrotzburg-till qsts member

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Fig. 8: Deckenschotter, till and terminal moraines of the Steinental-Formation. No indication for glacial overdeepening is known. The till deposits are believed to be the remnants of valley-glaciers. Fig. 8: Deckenschotter, Till und Endmornen der Steinental-Formation. Sie sind die ltesten eiszeitlichen Relikte und deuten auf eine nur geringe glaziale Umformung der voreiszeitlichen Landschaft hin.

The Oberschwaben-Deckenschotter (qpDO) Formation consists of three members featuring different petrographical composition: - Donau-Deckenschotter (qpODD), poor in crystalline (< 5 %) but rich in Dolomite, probably reflecting a source area still east of the actual valley of the alpine Rhine. - Gnz-Deckenschotter (qpODG), poor in crystalline but rich in limestone from nappes that are located close to the alpine margin. This composition is suggested to reflect the beginning of the incision of the alpine Rhine Valley. - Mindel-Deckenschotter (qpODM), rich in crystalline (1030 %). The composition of the gravels now reflects the modern course of the alpine Rhine, but before the valley became glacially overdeepened. The inner-alpine

catchment area of the Rhine is now sufficiently large to enable ice advances even into the Alpine Foreland (e.g. members of the qST-Fm.). Hochrhein-Deckenschotter (qpHD): This unit is twoparted by means of terrace stratigraphy. Both subunits, the Hhere-Hochrhein-Deckenschotter (qpHDh) and the Tiefere-Hochrhein-Deckenschotter (qpHDt), consist of up to three accumulation cycles in stratigraphical succession (Verderber 1992, 2003, Graf 1993, 2009). There are again differences in petrographical composition, but they refer primarily to the different Swiss alpine valleys (Limmat, Reuss, Aare, Rhone). Although the thickness of the Deckenschotter along the Hochrhein Valley amounts up to several tens of meters, a much larger sediment volume has been transported through the valley into the southern URG (Breisgau-Fm.). I.e. the valley erosion and Decken323

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schotter deposition depend largely on base level variations in the URG that are probably primarily controlled by tectonics (Ellwanger 2003). Rheingletscher-Terrassenschotter (qRT): This unit subsumes two members: the Rheingletscher-Hochterrassenschotter (qRTH) and the Rheingletscher-Niederterrassenschotter (qRTN). Again, both subunits locally consist of two or more accumulation cycles in stratigraphical succession that may, elsewhere, correspond with different terrace levels. The Terrassenschotter are traditionally suggested to be meltwater deposits, correlative with sub- and proglacial gravels (Dietmanns- and Illmensee-gravels) and with no direct connection to the alpine sediment source area because the lake basins at the alpine margin lie in between. In this scenario, the sediment input terminates abruptly when the ice melts down, and only eventually restarts after the

basins are again filled up with sediments. Preliminary results from luminescence dating indicate that this sediment input could have restarted at about 70 ka (maximum ages taken from Frechen et al. 2010 but doubted by Kock et al. 2009. Both papers also suggest different geological interpretations). Again a much larger sediment volume has been transported through the valley into the URG (Neuenburg-Fm.). 4.6 the upper rhine Graben, southern part. All alpine sediments that are deposited in the URG (Tab. 9) were beforehand transported through the Hochrhein Valley. In the southern URG, coarse gravels, pebbles and even blocks are deposited that are often coarser than gravels of the valley terraces. The coarse event layers were suggested

Tab. 8: Lithofacies units of the pre- and periglacial fluvial environment in the southwest German Alpine Foreland. Tab. 8: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten der Pr- und Periglazial-Gebiete des Sdwestdeutschen Alpenvorlands. Chronostratigraphy Holocene late pleistocene Middle pleistocene early Middle pleistocene Mindel-Deckenschotter qpODM Oberschwaben-Deckenschotter qpOD Gnz-Deckenschotter qpODG Donau-Deckenschotter qpODD Hochrhein-Deckenschotter qpHD tiefere Hochrhein-Deckenschotter qpHDt Hhere Hochrhein-Deckenschotter qpHDh rheingletscher-terrassenschotter qrt Formation member rheingletscher-niederterrassenschotter qrtn rheingletscher-Hochterrassenschotter qrtH Key horizon (e.g.) talauenschotter niederterrassenschotter pfingen schotter Baltringen Hochterrasse ltere Hochterrasse

Early pleistocene (Calabrian)

Early pleistocene (Gelasian) Early pleistocene (Calabrian) Early pleistocene (Gelasian)

Tab. 9: Lithofacies units of the southern Upper Rhine Graben. Tab. 9: Lithostratigraphische Einheiten des sdlichen Oberrheingrabens. Chrono-stratigraphy Formation member Key horizons

late pleistocene neuenburg-Fm. qnE Middle pleistocene

Hartheim-Mb. qnEo Zarten-Mb. qnEZ nambsheim-Mb. qnEu

Eventlayer

Eventlayer

Middle pleistocene Breisgau-Fm. qBr

Balgau-Mb. qBro Wasser-Mb. qBrW Weinstetten-Mb. qBru iffezheim-Fm. qiF

riegel-Horizont qBrr

pliocene to Early pleistocene

Hergheim-schichten qBrH

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Amphitheatre

Fig. 9: Cartoon illustrating four steps of Pleistocene surface evolution of the Bodensee area, from a kind of ramp-topography to the present amphitheatre. Cf. Ellwanger et al. 2011. Fig. 9: Schrittweise Entwicklung der Landschaft im Pleistozn von einer Art Rampe hin zum heutigen Amphitheater (vgl. Ellwanger et al. 2011).

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to be correlative to morphogenetic reshaping of the valley and to the subglacial basin erosion at the alpine margin (Ellwanger 2003). The alpine input in the southern URG is referred to in two formations, the Breisgau-Fm. (qBR) and the Neuenburg-Fm. (qNE); they are further subdivided into members. The underlying Iffezheim-Fm. (qIF) is of local, non-alpine provenance. The boundary between qIF and qBR is diachronic, that is why both units begin in the Pliocene and go far up into the Pleistocene, in spite of their stratigraphical superposition. The Breisgau-Fm. largely consists of graded alpine and local gravels. Esp. the local gravels are often altered, weathered or even completely disintegrated, indicating low sedimentation rates and possibly gravitative redeposition. Its thickness varies strongly, depending on the varying depth of the lower boundary that is primarily a matter of tectonical subsidence, supported by compaction of underlying fines. This unit is suggested to be correlative to the Deckenschotter. The Neuenburg-Fm. (qNE) is reflected by the huge sediment fan located between the mouth of the Hochrhein Valley and the Kaiserstuhl volcanoe. The succession consists of two cycles of coarse fluvial gravels (Hartheim-Mb., qNEo, and Nambsheim-Mb., qNEu), each including a coarse basal event horizon (diamictic with pebbles and blocks). The sediment is usually unweathered. Its thickness averages between 30 m and 50 m; a large part of this is owed to the fan surface, some to compaction. This unit is suggested to represent a correlative continuity of the erosion unconformities of the Bodensee area; it is input- i.e. climate-controlled. According to sediment petrographical composition and heavy minerals, the sediment source of the lower and middle part of the Breisgau-Fm. are the Swiss Alps, that of the uppermost Breisgau-Fm. and the Neuenburg-Fm. is the Rhineglacier area (Hagedorn 2004). 5 summary of relief evolution & discussion Both, the chronostratigraphy and the lithostratigraphy of the Bodensee area that are presented here are suitable tools to describe the evolution of landforms and sediments during the Quaternary. However, the transformation of the topography from pre-alpine highlands into the actual amphitheatre landsystem with its overdeepened lake basins is better matched using the lithostratigraphical approach. We distinguish seven steps (Figs. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, cartoon Fig. 9): 1. The earliest Quaternary landsurface represents foothills and prealpine highlands acting as watershed between the Donau-Deckenschotter of the Donau system in the east (Schdel 1950, Doppler 2003), and the eldest HochrheinDeckenschotter of the Rhine system in the west (Schreiner 1992, Verderber 1992, 2003, Graf 1993, 2009). Chronostratigraphy: According to Ellwanger, Fejfar & von Koenigswald, 1994 and Bolliger et al. 1996, both deposits represent the Gelasian stage. 2. The first Deckenschotter remnants related to the actual Rhine Valley at the alpine margin are known as GnzDeckenschotter. They are incised below the level of the Donau-Deckenschotter. Their petrographical composition reflects Helvetic and Ultrahelvetic nappes i.e. indicates the
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onset of erosion of the alpine Rhine Valley. This catchment area would be too small to enable an ice advance into the Alpine Foreland. Chronostratigraphy: Early Pleistocene, according to Fromm (1989) and Rolf (1992). 3. The Mindel-Deckenschotter are often (not always) incised below the Gnz level. Their petrographical spectra include crystalline pebbles from the central Alps, already reflecting the actual alpine Rhine Valley. This catchment area is large enough to enable ice advances into the Alpine Foreland. Chronostratigraphy: Early Pleistocene, according to Fromm (1989) and Rolf (1992). 4. The eldest till deposits of the Rhineglacier area (subsumed in the Steinental-Fm.) show no evidence for glacial overdeepening. They are the Lichtenegg-Till, the Schrotzburg-Till, the Unterpfauzenwald-Till and the SteinhausenTill (first advance of the Hosskirchian glacial stage. Chronostratigraphy: Lichtenegg-Till, Early Pleistocene (Fromm 1989, Rolf 1992); Unterpfauzenwald-Till, grading into Bavelian peat (Hahne 2010); Steinhausen-Till, Hosskirchian stage (Hahne 2010). 5. The first deep basin erosion is related to the Dietmanns-Fm. There are radial branch basins in the eastern part of the Rhineglacier area but no central basin can be recognized. In the northwest, the character of the old surface of a prealpine ramp still prevails. Ice advance and meltwater discharge are still largely directed to the Donau Valley. Chronostratigraphy: Hosskirchian to Rissian stage. 6. The deep basin erosion continues in the IllmenseeFormation. Now there are two central basins, one at the outlet of the overdeepened alpine Rhine Valley, the other in the westernmost part of the Bodensee area. Ice advance and meltwater discharge are now partly directed to the Donau Valley, partly to the Hochrhein Valley. Chronostratigraphy: Rissian to Wrmian stage. 7. The deep basin erosion of the Hasenweiler-Formation results in the NW elongated central Bodensee Basin (Bodensee-Stammbecken). Its branch basins are still radially orientated, but the system is now almost completely focussed towards the Rhine Valley i.e. to the west. Chronostratigraphy: Wrmian stage to Holocene. The amount of Quaternary erosion since the Donau-Deckenschotter seems larger in the Bodensee area than in both neighbouring areas, both downward and laterally (1 km resp. 70 km). This may be related to the reorientation of the system from the Donau to the Rhine, a setting that is unique in the Alpine Foreland. The erosion/sedimentation pattern of an eventual future ice advance is of course a matter of speculation, but most likely it will be the first Rhineglacier advance to be focussed towards the Hochrhein Valley alone. In this case, a new most extensive ice margin may result. Lithostratigraphy proved to be very useful to understand and describe the morphodynamics of the Rhineglacier and to correlate with the close-by depocentres for resediments. This is due to the high spatial resolution in the Bodensee area. However, at least up to now, it does not match the difficulties of a supra-regional correlation, partly because of the insufficient knowledge on the sequence stratigraphical conditions in other glacial areas. To meet this obstacle, the chronostratigraphic approach seems more suitable.

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Acknowledgement First of all, we want to thank Prof. Dr. Ralph Watzel, President of the LGRB, for his permission to publish this paper. Our colleagues Inge Neeb and Christa Szenkler did a great job in completion of the geological maps, they also helped to update and redesign the legends. Dr. Edgar Nitsch greatly supported the formalizing of the lithostratigraphical units. Jrgen Crocoll did the excellent implementation of the figures. We enjoyed working together with you all; and we offer our most sincere thanks to you. Two anonymous reviewers superbly commented the manuscript, thank you so much for your most helpful critics and suggestions. Finally we want to remember our families: this paper would not have been possible without your patience and loving support. Most cordial thanks! references
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E&G
Abstract:

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60/ number 23 / 2011 / 329365 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.08 www.quaternary-science.net

GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

Quaternary stratigraphy of southern bavaria

Gerhard Doppler, Ernst kroemer, konrad Rgner, Johannes Wallner, Hermann Jerz, Walter Grottenthaler
A review of current stratigraphical systems for the Quaternary sedimentary sequences of Southern Bavaria is given as it is used by the Geological Survey of the Bavarian Environment Agency. Different classification approaches for continental deposits of the Quaternary are highlighted with a special focus on the climate and terrace stratigraphy which are commonly used in Bavaria. A description of the associated informal units documents the current status of application and may lead to formal definitions. In Bavaria the traditional classification after Penck & Brckner (19011909) with its completions and refinements is still in use. New results concerning a more detailed structuring of the glacial epoch by subordinate cold and warm phases were integrated into this system. Terrace sequences are crucial for this classification of the Quaternary in Southern Bavaria whose chronological interpretation is the base of the so-called morphostratigraphy. Successions of terminal moraines which constitute glacial-glaciofluvial sequences with the associated terraces represent a second basis of stratigraphical division. Therefore, beside a detailed documentation of the terrace units also classifications of different terminal moraines are presented. Further stratigraphical systems are used in Bavaria and in adjacent areas which are based on different criteria or which lead to different chronological classifications. Even the described stratigraphical classifications are not used by all authors in the same way. The documentation of the current use may assist a coordination of different nomenclatures for the users benefit. [Quartrstratigraphie von sdbayern] Kurzfassung: Eine bersicht der aktuellen stratigraphischen Bezeichnungen fr die quartre Schichtenfolge Sdbayerns wird gegeben, wie sie am Geologischen Dienst des Bayerischen Landesamts fr Umwelt in Verwendung ist. Unterschiedliche stratigraphische Gliederungsanstze fr kontinentale Quartrablagerungen werden vorgestellt und die klimatostratigraphische Einteilung sowie die Terrassenstratigraphie als in Bayern meistverwendete Varianten nher ausgefhrt. Die Beschreibung der zugehrigen, bisher informellen Einheiten bezweckt eine Dokumentation des jeweiligen Stands der Verwendung und kann womglich formelle Definitionen vorbereiten. Die klimatostratigraphischen Einheiten sollen den gesamten Zeitraum des Quartrs lckenlos abdecken und vertreten derzeit berregionale, formelle Stufenbezeichnungen. In Bayern wird weiterhin die klassische Gliederung nach Penck & Brckner (19011909) mit ihren Erweiterungen verwendet. Neue Erkenntnisse ber eine strkere Gliederung des Eiszeitalters durch untergeordnete Kalt- und Warmphasen werden in dieses System integriert. Fr diese Gliederung des Quartrs in Sdbayern ausschlaggebend sind zum Einen die Terrassentreppen, deren zeitliche Interpretation eine Grundlage der sogenannten Morphostratigraphie bildet. Die zweite Grundlage bilden Endmornengirlanden, die mit den davon ausgehenden Terrassen glazial-glazifluviale Sequenzen (Glaziale Serien) bilden. Neben der ausfhrlichen Dokumentation der Terrassen-Einheiten, werden deshalb auch verschiedene Endmornen-Gliederungen vorgestellt. Weitere Nomenklaturen, die auf anderen Kriterien beruhen oder zu anderen chronologischen Einstufungen gelangen, sind fr Bayern oder in den angrenzenden Lndern in Gebrauch. Auch die beschriebenen stratigraphischen Gliederungen werden nicht von allen Bearbeitern in gleicher Weise verwendet. Die Dokumentation der derzeitigen Verwendung soll eine Abstimmung dieser Nomenklaturen im Interesse der Nutzer frdern. Quaternary stratigraphy, climate stratigraphy, terrace stratigraphy, moraine stratigraphy, Southern Bavaria, Germany, Alpine Foreland

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: G. Doppler, Bayerisches Landesamt fr Umwelt, Geologischer Dienst, Dienstort Lazarettstrae 67, D-80636 Mnchen. E-Mail: gerhard.doppler@lfu.bayern.de; W. Grottenthaler, Brunnenstrae 20, D-85598-Baldham. E-Mail: grottenthaler-baldham@ t-online.de; H. Jerz, Eichleite 7, D-82031 Grnwald. E-Mail: hjerz@yahoo.de; E. Kroemer and J. Wallner, Bayerisches Landesamt fr Umwelt, Geologischer Dienst, Dienststelle Hof, Hans-Hgn-Str. 12, D-95030 Hof/Saale. E-Mail: ernst.kroemer@ lfu.bayern.de, johannes.wallner@lfu.bayern.de; K. Rgner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitt Mnchen, Department fr Geographie, Luisenstrae 37, D-80333 Mnchen. E-Mail: k.roegner@geographie.uni-muenchen.de

1 introduction More than 100 years of investigation of Quaternary deposits in the northern Alpine region led to numerous proposals for classification of the sediments accumulated during the Pleistocene epoch (Fiebig et al., in press). Hence, a hardly manageable number of different nomenclatures evolved, often accompanied by different use of synonymic terms. Against this background the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Alpenvorlandquartr (AGAQ; Working Group on the Quaternary of the Alpine Foreland) aims at documenting and defining stratigraphic systems and terms used in the northern Alpine region in order to make them better comparable. This paper intends to present a stratigraphical standard classification for the Bav-

arian Alpine Foreland as it is currently used in the Geological Survey (Bavarian Environment Agency). References to different applied glossaries shall give assistance for understanding the diversity of nomenclatures in the relevant literature. For a better understanding of the primary literature we consequently use the original german terms in this paper. The application of the International Stratigraphic Guide (Salvador 1994) and resulting suggestions (Steininger & Piller 1999) for continental quaternary deposits raises some trouble. They show very small-scaled changes in facies and also pronounced hiatuses. Thus there is a need for high chronological resolution, but at the same time there is a lack of appropriate dating methods for the older parts of the Quaternary (Preusser et al. 2008).
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table of content 1 Introduction 2 Stratigraphic systems of the Quaternary 2.1 Chronostratigraphy and comparable classification systems 2.2 Biostratigraphy 2.3 Lithostratigraphy and comparable classification systems 3 Regional Quaternary stratigraphy of Southern Bavaria 3.1 Climate stratigraphy for Southern Bavaria 3.1.1 Biber (Biberian) 3.1.2 Donau (Danubian) 3.1.3 Gnz (Guenzian) 3.1.4 Gnz/Mindel (Guenz/Mindelian) 3.1.5 Mindel (Mindelian sensu lato) 3.1.6 Mindel/Ri (Mindel/Rissian) 3.1.7 Ri (Rissian) 3.1.8 Ri/Wrm (Riss/Wuermian) 3.1.9 Wrm (Wuermian) 3.1.10 Holocene 3.2 Terrace stratigraphy for Southern Bavaria 3.2.1 ltester Deckenschotter (Oldest Cover Gravel) 3.2.2 ltester Periglazialschotter (Oldest Perglacial Gravel) 3.2.3 Hherer lterer Deckenschotter (Higher Older Cover Gravel) 3.2.4 Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter (Lower Older Cover Gravel) 3.2.5 Jngerer Deckenschotter (Younger Cover Gravel) 3.2.6 Hochterrasse (Higher Terrace) 3.2.7 bergangsterrasse (Transitional Terrace) 3.2.8 Niederterrasse (Lower Terrace) 3.2.9 Sptglazialterrasse (Late Glacial Terrace) 3.2.10 Postglazialterrasse (Post Glacial Terrace) 3.2.10.1 Jngere Postglazialterrasse (Younger Post Glacial Terrace) 3.3 Moraine stratigraphy for Southern Bavaria 3.3.1 Geomorphological moraine classification 3.3.2 Classification by terminal moraine stages 4 Discussion and perspectives 5 References

The marine oxygen isotope stages (MIS) and the magnetostratigraphy serve as an international reference scale for a chronological classification of the Quaternary (Crowhurst 2002, Ogg & Smith 2004). The contribution of magnetostratigraphical investigations to the stratigraphical classification of Quaternary deposits in Bavaria is limited due to generally short and fragmentary sediment sequences (Strattner & Rolf 1995; Hambach et al. 2008). The MIS provide a detailed classification of the marine Quaternary, reflecting changes in sea water temperatures and global ice volume (Crowhurst 2002). Currently the MIS display the most common international reference scale for the classification of Quaternary deposits. However, correlation with continental sedimentary units and climatic phases is not straightforward and difficult without numeric ages of the continental sequences. 2.1 Chronostratigraphy and comparable stratigraphic systems Validating the Quaternary as the youngest period/system of the Earths history and the expansion of its lower boundary to 2.58 Ma by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) (Gibbard et al. 2009) paid regard to a long existing usage in many regions with continental Quaternary deposits and also in Bavaria. The subdivision of the Pleistocene in subseries/subepochs (Lower/Early, Middle, Upper/Late Pleistocene) is still in progress (Litt et al. in prep.). Like the base of the Quaternary (base of Gelasian) the boundary between Lower/Early and Middle Pleistocene is linked to a polarity change of the Earths magnetic field, the transition from Matuyama (reversed) to Brunhes epoch (normal). This demarcation indeed is traceable throughout the world. However, it is disconnected from the commonly applied main climate stratigraphical classification because a correlation of climate and polarity changes is not expected. Internationally established Quaternary stages only exist for marine deposits. In continental environments a chronostratigraphical classification is often replaced by a regional climate stratigraphy differentiating cold and warm phases. Even without a formal definition this phases often are used like chronostratigraphical stage terms (e. g. Saalian, Eemian). 2.2 biostratigraphy

2 stratigraphical systems Murphy & Salvador (1999) distinguish five essential categories of stratigraphic classifications dependent on the criteria applied for the discrimination of each unit: (i) lithostratigraphy, (ii) stratigraphy by unconformity bounded units, (iii) biostratigraphy, (iv) magnetostratigraphy, (v) chronostratigraphy. All those different kinds of stratigraphical classification and further comparables can be applied in different ways to organise the Quaternary.
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Biostratigraphically significant locations of the Quaternary in Bavaria are summarised in Table 1. The stratigraphical classification of the warm-temperate phases of the Pleistocene and the Holocene is essentially based on palynological analyses which are summarised in Drescher-Schneider et al. (2001). The current mammalian stratigraphy for the Pleistocene in Germany is largely based on small mammal remains (Koenigswald & Heinrich 2007). They are better suitable because of their faster evolutionary development (Koenigswald 2002). But like the remains of large mammals, localities enriched in small mammals are very rare. This holds particularly true for deposits older than Upper Pleistocene.

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LINDAU (Bodensee) FSSEN

1254

1731 Walchensee

a ch

LINDENBERG i. Allgu

Herzogstand

Berge

he

L
Pfefferbichl
Hohe Bleick

r Ille

Rottachsee

Brauneck GroweilBenediktenwand Schwaiganger 1555 Hrnle M u r n a u e r KochelM o o s Pmetsried 599 see 1800 au

e l

E&G / Vol. 60 / no. 23 / 2011 / 329365 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.08 / authors / Creative Commons attribution license
BAD WRISHOFEN
533 Pilsensee

MEMMINGEN
HERRSCHING a. Ammersee

STARNBERG
h

KIENBERG TROSTBERG

LANDSBERG am Lech
a

e e m s i e

i e

653

TACHERTING

Mankham

ac

TITTMONING

ci
Sa lza ch
Nock ALTENMARKT Palling (S)

s e e A m m e r

g
l
a

TRAUNREUT
C
HOLZKIRCHEN BAD AIBLING

n Trau

BAD GRNENBACH

Hinterschmalholz

Waginger See

Zeifen

LAUFEN
Simssee

2224 Westl. s t Fig. 1: Overview of the Bavarian Alpine Foreland and adjacent areas including the names of2962 landscapes and sitesKarwendelsp. mentioned in the text. 2384

Abb. 1: bersicht des bayerischen Alpenvorlands und seiner Nachbargebiete mit im Text erwhnten Landschaftseinheiten und Lokalitten.

781

OBERGNZBURG

KAUFBEUREN
gla
Antdorf Breinetsried Steingaden (Neuhaus-Bach)
MURNAU a. Staffelsee 762

GERETSRIED
Herrnhausen Eurach
PENZBERG
1348
Kochel er

ROSENHEIM
r
896

Chiemsee
PRIEN a. Chiemsee
518

TRAUNSTEIN KOLBERMOOR
STEPHANSKIRCHEN

FREILASSING
HASLACH
1333

i e r SCHONGAU

MARKTOBERDORF

WEILHEIM i. OB
596

Hfen/Schnrain

MIESBACH

nger

KEMPTEN (Allgu)

Samerberg

Kampenwand

see ern Teg

WANGEN

1123

Kempter

BAD TLZ

HAUSHAM TEGERNSEE

W a l d

Schliersee

Hochries 1568

1668

Hochgern 1748

Hochfelln 1671

Josefsthal

Wendelstein 1838

C h i e m g a u e r
1661

n 1671 p e A l

Rauschberg

BAD REICHENHALL
1961
Predigtstuhl Untersberg 1613 1972

Argen

e g 1852 i rGr. Traithen KIEFERSFELDEN


836

Seegatterl

Drrnbachhorn 1775

614

see Jenner Hochkalter Watzmann 1874 2607 603 2713

Knigs-

Soiernsp. 2257 2538

Inn

STERREICH

10 km

Teufelshorn 2361

2578

Tab. 1: Biostratigraphically important localities of the Pleistocene in Southern Bavaria. Codes for geological units composed of stratigraphy and facies/lithology; the code of the unit containing the fauna or flora in bold characters; Stratigraphic codes: B = Biber; D = Donau; M = Mindel; M/R = Mindel/Ri; OSM = Upper Freshwater Molasse (Obere Swassermolasse); qh = Holocene; R = Ri; Rj = Jungri; R/W = Ri/Wrm; USM = Lower Freshwater Molasse (Untere Swassermolasse); W = Wrm; Wf = early Wrm (Frhwrm). Facial /lithologic codes: ,,f = fluvial; ,,fl = solifluction loam; ,,g = morainic; ,G = gravel; ,H = peat; ,Hp = compressed peat (Schieferkohle); ,,l = lacustrine; ,K = lime (sinter, chalk); ,Kq = solid sinter (Kalktuff); ,Lo = loess; ,Lol = loess loam; ,M = marl; (,M) = clod(s) of marl; ,p = periglacial, = succession. Tab. 1: Biostratigraphisch bedeutsame Lokalitten im Pleistozn des Bayerischen Alpenvorlands. Tab. 1a: Palynological localities. Tab. 1a: Fundorte mit Pollenfloren. tK25 Locality 7726 Bellenberg Coordinates bedding Ecology/ interpretation Classification Wrm pleniglacial Wrm Early Wrm Early Wrm Early Wrm Early Wrm reference pesChke (1982, unpubl. report) frenzeL (1974, unpubl. report) pesChke (1983a) pesChke (1983a) reiCh (1953); pesChke (1983a) frenzeL & JoChiMsen (1972)

3582200 5347100 3592700 8027 Gomannshofen 5310400 sonthofen (Kgr. 3599850 8427 Wachter) 5263500 4449850 8233 antdorf 5291650 4442650 8333 pmetsried 5280150 Wasserburg, 4516200 7939 verschiedene Fundorte 5325500 4451200 8234 Breinetsried 5289900 4459810 8234 Hfen/schnrain 5295030 4444000 8333 schwaiganger 5280600 8329 rofallen 4396500 5278650 4415600 5284150 4409150 5277460 4446600 5281100 4515150 5290350 4457200 5300750 4562100 5310910 4450500 5294750 4512500 5426500 4514800 5290760 4397200 5360100

,lo-,,fl with ,H / W,G,p glacial / OsM ,,fl / ,H / r,G glacial

W,,g / W,G / ,Hp in W,,l interstadial / r,G+r,,g W,,g / W,G / W,,l with interstadial ,Hp W,G / ,Hp / W,,l W,G with ,Hp W,G with ,Hp W,G with ,Hp W,G with 2 ,Hp interstadial interstadial interstadial interstadial interstadial

Early Wrm: Moershoofd? pesChke (1983a) Early Wrm Early Wrm: Odderade? Brrup? Early Wrm end of ri/Wrm Early Wrm end of ri/Wrm Wrm ri/Wrm Early Wrm ri/Wrm Early Wrm Eem (= ri/Wrm) ri/Wrm ri ri/Wrm ri ri/Wrm ri Middle pleistocene? Holstein ii (= ??) Holstein (= Mindel/ri) <tegelen, > Cromer Bavel? pesChke (1983a) pesChke (1983a) stritzke (1996, unpubl. report) correlated to pfefferbichl hfLe & MLLer (1983) reiCh (1953); frenzeL (1976) reiCh (1953); pesChke (1976) grger (1979) pesChke (1983b) Jung et al. (1972) Beug (1979); Jung (1979): macro remains grosse-BeCkMann (1993) grger (1983) sChedLer (1979); BLudau (1995)

8331 steingaden 8330 pfefferbichl 8333 Groweil 8239 samerberg 1 8134 Herrnhausen 8042 Zeifen 8234 Eurach regensburg-Harting 7039 (BMW) 8239 samerberg 2 7629 uhlenberg

interstadial W,,g / ,Hp + W,,l / usM terminal interglacial interstadial W,,g / Wf-r/W,,l terminal interglacial glacial W,,l / ,Hp / r,,l interglacial W,G / Wf-r/W,,l with interstadial ,Hp / r,G+s interglacial W,,g / Wf-r/W,,l / r,,g interstadial / ?M,,l / M,,g interglacial W,,g / W,G / ,Hp / rj,,l interglacial / r,,g glacial interglacial W,G / rj-r/W,K,l glacial interglacial W,G / rj-r/W,K,l glacial ?ra,G / ,H / ?,G interglacial

W,,g / Wf-r/W,,l / r,,g interglacial / r-m/r,K-M,,l / M,,g interstadial ,lol-,,fl / ,Hp / ,M,f interglacial / D,G

Tab. 1b: Malacological or mammal localities. Tab. 1b: Fundorte mit Mollusken- oder Kleinsugerfaunen. tK25 Locality Molluscs: 8427 7831 7329 7331 7731 sonthofen (gravel pit Wachter) Kolonie Hurlach Hchstdt Mnster Bobingen 3599850 5263500 4414730 5332570 4393200 5386500 4419200 5389500 4415000 5349250 W,,g / W,G / ,Hp in W,,l / r,G + r,,g qh,G / r/W,Kq ,lo / (,m) in r,G (,m) in r,G ,lo /,,fl / (,m) in r,G interstadial interglacial interglacial or interstadial (warm) interglacial interglacial Early Wrm ri/Wrm ?inner-ri pleistocene Older than Eem dehM in eBeL (1983) kovanda (1989) puissegur in Leger (1988) tiLLManns et al. (1982); rhLe (1994, unpubl. report) rhLe (1994, unpubl. report) Coordinates bedding Ecology/interpretation Classification reference

332

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8234 7537 7537 7629 7530 7828 7828 7727 7528 7529 7529 7530 7430 7729 7730

Eurach thonstetten (Fagotienschotter) niederhummel (Fagotienschotter) uhlenberg lauterbrunn Frbuch Hrlis Buch Brennberg/Burgau Kirchberg/Wrleschwang Fuchsberg/Wollbach Welden Osterbuch Walkertshofen Fischach small mammals:

4450650 5294760 4492400 5367800 4492350 5366600 4397200 5360100 4405250 5370100 3600810 5332390 3599450 5334550 ?3588000 ?5344000 3602450 5365280 4397200 5367950 3594430 5366580 4402500 5369720 4406570 5376040 ?4396100 ?5343850 ?4401060 ?5350150

W,G / rj-r/W,K,l

interglacial

,lo / ,,fl /,s in ?r,G interglacial, river + or ?G,G floodplain ,lo / ,,fl / ,m,f / ?r,G or ?G,G ,lol-,,fl / ,Hp / ,m,f / D,G ,lol+,,fl / d,G D,G / ,,f (reloc. OsM) D,G / (,m) / B,G,p D,G / ,m / B,G,p (,m) in B,G,p (urdonau) (,m) in B,G,p (urdonau) interglacial, river + floodplain interglacial; floodplain interglacial; floodplain ???

dehM (1979); ohMert (1979): Ostracoden; kovanda (2006) BrunnaCker & BrunnaCker Older than Mindel? (1962); kovanda (2006) BrunnaCker & BrunnaCker Older than Mindel? (1962); kovanda (2006) tiglian?, possibly Waal? Buch? tiglian?, possibly Waal? Buch? pleistocene rhLe (1995) rhLe (1995) Mnzing (1974) Mnzing (1974) sChrder & dehM (1951) Mnzing & ohMert (1974) Mnzing in LsCher et al. (1978) Mnzing in LsCher et al. (1978) Mnzing & aktas (1984) Mnzing & aktas (1984) Mnzing & aktas (1984) eBerL (1930: 309) sChrder & dehM (1951)

ri/Wrm or pre-Mindel ?

interglacial, humid deciduous forest before ri/Wrm + river interglacial, humid deciduous forest, Early pleistocene floodplain interglacial interglacial pleistocene pleistocene pleistocene pleistocene Buch Fischach / Buch altpleistozn; Buch Villanyium, Mn 17 (corr. youngest tiglian)

D,G (Mischfazies)/ interglacial, deciduous forest (,m)/B,G,p alluvial forest D,G (Mischfazies) / interstadial (,m) / B,G,p interglacial, (,m) in D,G deciduous forest alluvial forest interstadial or early B,G with (,m) interglacial? interstadial or early B,G with (,m) interglacial? floodplain

7629

uhlenberg

4397240 5360150

,lol-,,fl / ,Hp / ,m,f / D,G

---

eLLwanger et al. (1994)

Mollusc faunae provide the opportunity for correlations with climate stratigraphy of the Nordic glaciations (Dehm 1979, Mnzing & Aktas 1987, Rhle 1995, Kovanda 2006). However, a distinct classification system with typical communities or type fossils (Lozek 1964) is not established. For other zoological taxa no biostratigraphical classification systems are established for the continental Quaternary so far. However, a relative stratigraphical correlation is partly feasible when accompanied by additional investigations (e. g. isotopic analyses on ostracodes by Grafenstein et al. 1992). 2.3 Lithostratigraphy and comparable classification systems In Bavaria the traditional classification systems (with some further adjustments) are still applied. According to the original classification of Penck & Brckner (19011909) primarily morphological aspects were in the focus which later led to the term morphostratigraphy. However, the base forming concept of the Glaziale Serie and Glazialer Komplex (glacial-glaciofluvial sequences of one glacial phase respectively of one ice advance) introduced by Penck & Brckner (190109: 13f) also contains litho-facies aspects. Lithostratigraphy. At present a lithostratigraphical system for the deposits of the South German Quaternary is only applied in Baden-

Wrttemberg in the area of the Pleistocene Rhine glacier. Its framework is primarily based on the observed succession of basin fills (Ellwanger et al. 2003). Morphostratigraphy. The classification into different Glaziale Serien is the base of the climate stratigraphical classification (glacials and interglacials) and as well of a subdivision into morphostratigraphic units with regard to moraine and meltwater deposits (terraces). The terrace stratigraphy primarily uses the relative altitudinal position of meltwater deposits and in second order the composition of the gravel deposits and their covering strata. This led to terms like Niederterrasse (Lower Terrace), Hochterrasse (Higher Terrace) or Deckenschotter (Cover Gravel). In addition distinct local terms are used in different valley systems (e. g. Altstadtstufe of the river Isar at Munich). Moraine stratigraphy uses different terminal moraine stages in connection with their respective gravel plains. Differences in relief and depth of weathering play an important role for categorisation. A supra-regional classification is only used for the terminal stages of Hochwrm (Wuerm pleniglacial). Pedostratigraphy. A stratigraphic classification similar to the lithostratigraphic one was based on palaeosols in younger loess sequences by Semmel (1968), Bibus (1974) and Zollinger (1991). It was established north of the Alpine Foreland where high
333

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Tab. 2: Pedostratigraphy of the younger Pleistocene of Southern Germany; chronology and classification of the palaeosols older than Ri/Wrm (= Eemian) are still uncertain. Bimstuff = pumice tuff; Bt = argic horizon; (Nass-)Boden = (initial hydromorphic) soil; Humuszone = humous horizon; Taschenboden = involution layer (soil relics in hollow moulds); Tundragley = cryic gleysol. Tab. 2: Pedostratigraphische Einheiten des jngeren Pleistozns zur Verwendung im Alpenvorland. Climate stratigraphy Holocene Loess soils seMMeL (1968); BiBus (1974); zoLLinger (1991); BiBus (2002) recent soil (laacher Bimstuff) Erbenheimer (nass-)Boden E4 (Eltviller tuff) Erbenheimer (nass-)Boden E3 Erbenheimer (nass-)Boden E2 Erbenheimer (nass-)Boden E1 (rambacher tuff) lohner Boden / Bckinger Boden tundragley Grselberger Boden niedereschbacher Zone Obere Moosbacher Humuszone Mittlere Moosbacher Humuszone untere Moosbacher Humuszone 1st fossile Bt (Eem-Boden) Bruchkbeler (nass-)Boden B6 Bruchkbeler (nass-)Boden B5 Bruchkbeler (nass-)Boden B4 Bruchkbeler (nass-)Boden B3 Bruchkbeler (nass-)Boden B2 Bruchkbeler (nass-)Boden B1 Ostheimer Zone Obere Weilbacher Humuszone 2nd fossile Bt tundragley 2 tundragley 1 allschwiler Zone (reinheimer tuff) Heilbronner (reinheimer) Humuszone 3rd fossile Bt (Biesigheim) 4 fossile Bt
th

Gravel soils BiBus & kseL (2001) recent soil

Wrm

Oberes Wrm (upper / late Wrmian)

Mittleres Wrm (Middle Wrmian)

unteres Wrm (lower / Early Wrmian) ri /Wrm (= Eemian)

rosnaer Boden

ri

Jungri

?Mittel/Jungri

Baltringer Boden

Mittelri

Mindel /ri Mindel

?alt/Mittelri altri (= Holsteinian)

taschenboden v. Bittelschie neufraer Boden

resolution sequences are available. But even older terms with stratigraphic content are in use (Brunnacker 1953, 1982; Fink 1956). A recent stratigraphical differentiation of distinct interglacial soils in gravel deposits was carried out by Bibus & Strahl (2000) or Bibus & Ksel (2001) in the Rhine glacier area and the Bavarian-Swabian Danube valley. 3 regional Quaternary stratigraphy of southern bavaria Table 3 provides a short outline of the current Quaternary stratigraphy of Southern Bavaria. It is used particularly at the Geological Survey of the Bavarian Environmental Agency and largely also at Bavarian universities. Localities mentioned in the following text are given in Figure 1. For a long time two different boundaries were applied in continental environments between the Pliocene and the Pleistocene: (i) the internationally defined lower boundary of the Calabrian at 1.8 mio. yrs at the Vrica-section (Aguirre & Pasini 1985) or

(ii) the boundary which is common in Central and NW Europe and which is connected to the first cooling phase in the Lower Rhine area (Praetiglian, Zagwijn 1989) near the magnetic polarity change between Gauss and Matuyama epoch, currently at 2.58 Ma. The alternating use of both boundaries in former publications may cause misunderstandings. For example the lower parts of the Uhlenberg section were classified into the Pliocene by Ellwanger et al. (1994) but to Early Pleistocene by Doppler & Jerz (1995), whereupon the chronological ideas do not disagree. Other occurrences assigned to the Pliocene by former authors (e. g. Eberl 1930) were soon reclassified into the Quaternary. The reasons are mostly lithological affinities to other deposits of the Pleistocene and palaeogeographical considerations. A secure classification based on relative or numerical ages is so far only sporadically possible. A division of the Pleistocene into the subseries Lower, Middle and Upper Pleistocene (= subepochs Early/Middle/ Late) is internationally established. In Bavaria a slightly different subdivision is used based on the regional climate stratigraphical classification (Tab. 3).

334

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Age [Ka]

11,5

2600 69 25 117 128 780 1 3 4 2 5a 5d 6 10 11 5e 12 19 Marine MagIsotop. netoStage strat. Jaramillo


MATUYAMA A M i d d l e P l e i s t o c e n e U p p e r ( L a t e ) P l e i s t o c e ne T E R N A R Y B R U N H E S Q P l e i s t o c e n e U System Holocene (Sub-)Series

20 103

International

Olduvai

GAUSS

TERTIARY

Pliocene

Pliozn

104 Eemian Menapian Waalian Holsteinian


B a v e l i a n Cromerian Elsterian S a a l i a n W e i c h s e l i a n

M A T U Y A M A

M A T U Y A M A

L o w e r

( E a r l y )

Netherld.Northern German climatic stages

Praetiglian ?
A l t p l e i s t o z n R i Mittelpleistozn W

Reuverian

Eburonian

l t e s t p l e i s t o z n

J u n g p l e is t o z n r m Unter. Wrm Mittler. Wrm Ober. Wrm F r h wrm


Jung-

Holozn

Ri/Wrm

Mindel/Ri

Bavaria

Climato-stratigraphy Terrace -

--Altri Mittelri

B i b e r

Do n a u G n z

M i n d el

---

stratigraphy

Postglazialterr.sch. Spt- SptglazT.

Uhlen bergSchiefer kohle

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l t e s t e D e ck e n s c h o t t e r

Hhere ltere Decken schotter

--H o ch t e r r a s se n sc h o t t e r Jngere - Deckenschotter - Formation Haslach* Mindel* Steinental - Formation Hokirch lteres Ri

---

lteste Deckenschotter / lteste Periglazialschotter

Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter

Jngere Deckenschotter

Hochterrassenschotter

bergangsterrassenschotter

Hochwrm Niederterrassenschotter

Baden-Wuerttemberg Stratigr. Terrace- Litho(climat. / stratistratigraphy graphy morphotectonic*)

--Holstein currently without term


HaslachMindel *

---

ltere Jngere DeckenDeckenschotter Mittlere Deckenschotter schotter

-----

Niederterrassenschotter Dietmanns - Formation


Innen -

---

l t e s t e - D e c ke n s c h o t t e r F o r m a t i on

ltere DeckenschotterFormation

Illmensee-Formation
Au.wall -

HasenweilerFormation
Innenwall -

Au.wall-

Gnz*

---

Biber*

Donau*

Saulgau-Wrm

Postwrm

Eem

---

B i b e r - D o n au *

Tab. 3: Stratigraphische Tabelle des Quartrs in Sdbayern.

Tab. 3: Stratigraphic systems for the Quaternary of Southern Bavaria according to the Deutsche Stratigraphische Kommission (2002), Ogg & Smith (2004), Ellwanger et al. (2003). Of the Bavarian climate stratigraphic terms only the Wrmian age/stage is formally defined by Chaline & Jerz (1984). Therefore we will not use the ending ian for all our terms consequently; = stratigraphic position unsure.

335

3.1 Climate stratigraphy for southern bavaria 3.1.1 biber (biberian) First description. At the INQUA-Congress 1953 in Rome and Pisa Schaefer (1955) presented a second extension of the formerly tetraglacial system of Penck & Brckner (1901/09). He assigned the gravel deposits of the Staufenbergschotter (chronologically classified as Donau by Eberl 1930) and of the Aindlinger Terrassentreppe to a new glacial epoch named after the creek Biberbach north of Augsburg. By this, he followed the system of Penck who labeled the glacial periods of the Quaternary using the names of rivers in descending alphabetical order from older to younger units. Current application. The term Biber is currently used for the oldest period of the Bavarian Pleistocene (Oldest Pleistocene) when the ltester Deckenschotter (Oldest Cover Gravel) and probably also the ltester Periglazialschotter (Oldest Periglacial Gravel) were accumulated. These include: (i) gravel deposits like the Staufenbergschotter near Bonstetten (NW of Augsburg), (ii) the Hochschotter and some lower gravel accumulations at the eastern border of the Aindlinger Terrassentreppe (SW of Neuburg/Donau), (iii) the wide-spread accumulation of the Staudenplattenschotter (SW of Augsburg), which was assigned to the Donau by Schaefer 1957, (iv) the oldest periglacial gravel deposits in the Allgu and in the area of the river Danube which are probably of similar age. The lteste Deckenschotter are assumed to be connected to a first pronounced cold climatic stage following the Pliocene. But so far there is no direct evidence. However, the resemblance of the lteste Deckenschotter with younger glaciofluvial sediments argues for an accumulation during a phase of extended alpine glaciers. Also, the existence of large cobbles (up to ~25 cm) indicates a relatively close glacier front reaching into the foreland area. The end of the Biber coincides with the period of shifting pathways of the proto-Iller from the area of the Staudenplatte to the adjacent region of the Zusamplatte in the Northwest. It remains doubtful, if the last episode of the Biber coincides with a warm phase documented in the Bucher Schneckenmergel or further flood deposits (see below). Type region and occurrence. The gravel deposits of the Staufenbergterrasse and the Staudenplatte are suggested as the Biber type locality. Furthermore the remaining lteste Deckenschotter and the lteste Periglazialschotter including isolated finegrained flood deposits like the Bucher Schneckenmergel are classified as Biber (see also 3.2.2). These sediments occur as isolated relics on the top of the lteste Periglazialschotter below the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter (level of the Zusamplatte, see 3.2.3) and contain interglacial mollusc remains (Mnzing & Aktas 1986). These sequences
336

occur on the Iller-Lech alluvial plain in the western part of the Alpine Foreland. East of the Aindlinger Terrassentreppe no sediments corresponding with Biberian age were found so far. Dating and references. At present no numeric ages for the Biber-type deposits are available. Mollusc-bearing reworked clods/lumps of marl in the Staudenplattenschotter and at the top of the lteste Periglazialschotter enable just a correlation from Tiglian to Holsteinian after Mnzing & Aktas (1987). However, Rhle (1995) assumes a late Tiglian age for the fauna of the Uhlenberg section which has to be younger than the Biber type deposits according to terrace stratigraphical relations. Hence the faunae of Biber-type deposits must be older than the late Tiglian. 3.1.2 donau (danubian) First description. The glacial period Donau, that means a corresponding complex of three cold phases was introduced by Eberl (1930) for gravel deposits which are located in a morphologically higher position than the ltere Deckenschotter near Memmingen. The latter are classified into the Gnz after Penck & Brckner (19011909). Eberl (1930) followed the nomenclature of Penck (river names in alphabetical order) but with the Danube (Donau) he used a river outside his own investigation area, the southern Iller-Lech alluvial plain. According to Eberl (1930: 390, Tab. II) three Donau stages correlate with minima of the Milankovicurve between 800 and 650 ka. Current application. The extent of the gravel deposits attributed to the Donau glacial period has changed significantly since Eberl (1930) predominantly as a result of the investigations of Schaefer (1955) and Lscher (1976). Currently the period of deposition of the widespread Zusamplattenschotter and its equivalents in the area of the Ri-Lech alluvial plain or of the Aindlinger Terrassentreppe is described as Donau. In the scheme of terrace stratigraphy these accumulations are called Hhere ltere Deckenschotter (Higher Older Cover Gravel). They have to be discriminated from the locally underlying channel fill gravel of probably periglacial genesis (ltester Periglazialschotter, Oldest Periglacial Gravel) and their partly conserved covering strata. The termination of Donau to the Gnz, a separating interglacial, is so far unclear. The Uhlenberg-Schieferkohle (compressed peat; Fig. 2) is considered to document a warm period before the Gnz, maybe even a Donau/Gnz interglacial. However, correlation with the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter (Lower Older Cover Gravel) of Gnz age would be possible too. The deposits classified as Donau are interpreted as glacial meltwater deposits, although no unambiguous evidence for glaciations into the Alpine foreland during this period was found so far. Potential moraine-like deposits in the Denklinger Rothwald northwest of Schongau were classified variably during their investigation history as Mindel (Penck & Brckner 19011909), Gnz (Eberl

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Depth m below surface 532 m asl.

stratigr. lithofacial Identification


a

Pedological section

Pedological section

Geological section

Geological section

Classification

Feature Samples

Feature Samples

0,0

Legend
Geological section
a) b) c)

b c

0,5
S

Gravel (G) a) fine (fG) b) middle (mG) c) coarse (gG) sand

S S S S

Schiefer- flood L o w e r - t o M i d d l e - P l e i s t o c e n e W kohle + dealluvial fan to slope deposits half-bog posits

1,0
S

d e f g h i k
a) b)

silt (U) clay (T) humus (h) peat

S S

1,5

S S S S S S

S S

S S S S S S S S S S

S S

S S

S S

2,0

S S S S S S S S

S S S S S S S

S S S S

Pedological section
humous brown argic horizon a) weak b) strong S rusty-brown ferreous mottling grey gleyic bleaching

2,5

S S S

S S

l m n o p q r s
Fe Mn S S S S S

3,0

section offset 6m to S

3,5
S

Pedological section: Features


Fe Mn ferreous/ manganese concretions diffuse ferreous/ manganese precipitation snails

4,0

? flood deposits

S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S

t u
Samples

4,5

SSS SS SS S S S S

S S S

Zusamplatten- to slope schotter deposits

S S S

S Fe

alluvial fan

5,0

drilling

v w x y z1 z2

MP

a)

b)

palaeomagnetism MP palaeontology

S S S S S S S S S S

5,5 after SCHEUENPFLUG (1979)

13,5

Fig. 2: Section of the covering strata of the gravel pit at Uhlenberg north of Dinkelscherben (after Doppler & Jerz 1995). Abb. 2: Schichtenprofil der Kiesgrube am Uhlenberg N Dinkelscherben (nach Doppler & Jerz 1995).

D o n a u

OSM

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337

1930: 280281) or younger Donau (Rgner 1979, 8891). Other possibly Donau-aged moraines near Bickenried at the Hhen ber Kaufbeuren are described by Rgner (1980). Becker-Haumann (2005) assigns these moraines to the Gnz, based on the fact that he inserts another glacial between Gnz and Mindel, the so-called Haslach. Type region and occurrence. The sequence of the Zusamplattenschotter is suggested as Donau type region. This definition excludes locally preserved underlying lteste Periglazialschotter but includes overlying flood deposits. The status of the Uhlenberg-Schieferkohle (Fig. 2) which developed from the latter is still an open question. Furthermore Hhere ltere Deckenschotter on the remaining Ri-Lech alluvial plain are classified as Donau, also including fine grained flood deposits at some places (see 3.2.3). Further, possibly Donau-aged deposits are found in the Danube area between Regensburg and Passau. So far a clear correlation with occurrences at the Ri-Lech alluvial plain is not possible. Neither loess-derived sections nor moraine-like sediments (Rgner 1979) can clearly be assigned to the Donau phase. Dating and references. So far numeric dating of Donau-deposits is not possible. However, a relative classification based on magnetostratigraphic and biostratigraphic correlations is available. (i) Palaeomagnetical investigations on the Zusamplatte show a change from reversed to normal polarity in the lower sections of solifluctive loess loam in Rohaupten and Lauterbrunn. It is interpreted as Matuyama/Brunhes boundary, i. e. the gravel deposits of the Zusamplatte including the lower parts of their covering strata would be older than 780 ka. Normally oriented layers at the base of the Rohaupten and the Uhlenberg section have been correlated with the Jaramillo event by Brunnacker et al. (1976). Recent results of Strattner & Rolf (1995) cannot confirm this. An age of more than 1 Ma for the gravels of the Zusamplatte in this regard is still a matter of debate. (ii) The mollusc fauna in the upper parts of the gravel deposits of the Zusamplatte and their fluvial covering strata suggest a Tiglian age (Rhle 1995). (iii) Relics of small mammals in the overlying flood deposits at Uhlenberg belong to the mammal zone MN17 (upper Villanyium) according to Ellwanger et al. (1994), which correlates with Tiglian (Knigswald & Heinrich 2007). (iv) In contrast palynological analyses of the UhlenbergSchieferkohle above the fossil-bearing flood sediments are considered to be significantly younger. Bludau (1995) suggests a correlation with the Bavelian originally defined in the Netherlands (Zagwijn & De Jong, 1985; see Tab. 3) Accordingly, the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter and at least the lower part of their covering strata correlate with the younger Tiglian. The upper part of the covering strata and particularly the warm period represented by the Uhlenberg-Schieferkohle seem to be considerably younger. As a consequence the Uhlenberg section represents one or several interglacials which may be assigned to the end of the Donau or the beginning of the Gnz period.
338

3.1.3 Gnz (Guenzian) First description. The terms Gnz, Gnz-glaciation or Gnz ice-age date back to Penck & Brckner (19011909: 110). Deposits classified as Gnz by these authors are the obere or ltere Deckenschotter (upper or older Cover Gravel), e. g. the Bhener Feld southeast of Memmingen. Penck assigned all glacial and fluvial sediments which he considered to be older than Mindel to the Gnz. Gravel deposits in a more elevated position (e. g. at the Staufenberg) he explained by tectonic displacement. Current application. Currently Gnz is perceived as the episode between Donau (including a terminal interglacial) and the Gnz/ Mindel warm period. The chronological range of Gnz is specified on the basis of rare gravel deposits in the area of the Ri-Lech alluvial plain (Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter = Lower Older Cover Gravel). In Bavaria, so far no interglacial deposits were found which would allow defining a boundary between Gnz and Mindel. Type region and occurrence. For Gnz, no well-defined type region is apparent. To avoid miscorrelation it should be located in the area of the Ri-Lech alluvial plain near the type regions of Donau and Mindel. The Gnz-aged Zeiler Schotter west of the Iller is characterised in detail by Schreiner & Ebel (1981) and appears well distinguishable due to position and composition. For the Heiligenberger Schotter near Pfullendorf considered to be of the same age even a connection with till is verified (Bibus et al. 1996). However, the reversed magnetic orientation of younger occurrences (Jngere Deckenschotter = Younger Cover Gravel) in the Heiligenberg area raises some doubt if the meaning of Gnz and Mindel is the same in Baden-Wrttemberg and Bavaria. So far no Gnz or Mindel-aged deposits were found in Bavaria which show a reversed magnetisation. The so-called Zwischenterrassenschotter (Intermediate Terrace Gravel) in the northwest of the Iller-Lech alluvial plain (Lscher 1976) are interpreted as continuation of the Zeiler Schotter by Doppler (2003). But this correlation is not ensured. Classification is ambiguous also for other occurrences in the southern Iller-Lech alluvial plain. They do not offer good opportunities for a type section neither. However in Southern Bavaria, apart from the Iller-Lech alluvial plain more occurrences of Gnz-aged Deckenschotter exist. In contrast to the rest of the Alpine Foreland in the area of the Mnchner Schotterebene deposits classified as Gnz occur in a normal stratigraphical sequence of gravels underneath sediments classified as Mindel. A corresponding section including interstratified palaeosols is still observable in the Klettergarten Baierbrunn (climbing park) south of Munich (Jerz 1993: 33). Gravel deposits assigned to the Gnz intercalated with moraine-like deposits appear in the area of the Hohe Altmorne in the northern region of the former Inn glacier between Haag and Dorfen (Knig 1979; Grimm in prep.). Comparable deposits extend into the area of the former

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Salzach-glacier as gravel, till and basin sediments. The latter infill deeply incised channels near Trostberg according to drillhole data (Eichler & Sinn 1974; Grimm et al. 1979; Doppler 2003b). For further occurrences see chapter 3.2.4. In contrast to the better documented Glaziale Serien of younger glacials the area of the Iller-Lech alluvial plain lacks evidence of Gnz-moraines. Only Roppelt (1988: 17) describes a very small occurrence southeast of Obergnzburg. Till deposits corresponding with Gnz-aged gravel can only be found in the more distant area of the former Rhine-glacier near Heiligenberg/Pfullendorf (Bibus et al. 1996) or further away in the area of the former Inn and Salzach glacier (Knig 1979; Grimm et al. 1979). From Upper Austria Kohl (1998: 240, 297, 313) describes Gnz moraines and ltere Deckenschotter at the southern rim of the Traun-Enns alluvial plain. However, the correlation of these occurrences including the Rhine-glacier area is questionable. Due to these uncertainties and the absence of well-defined overlying interglacial deposits the definition of a type region for Gnz is currently premature. Dating and references. So far in Bavaria neither numeric ages nor biostratigraphically evaluable localities are available for Gnz-aged deposits. Palaeomagnetic analyses revealed reversed magnetisation of fine-grained sediments intercalated in moraines

classified as Gnz near Pfullendorf in Baden-Wrttemberg (Fromm in Bibus et al. 1996). In contrast the analyses of loess loam on the Iller-Lech alluvial plain and of basin sediments connected to Gnz moraines in the valleys of rivers Alz and Traun resulted in normal polarity (Strattner & Rolf 1995). This discrepancies may be due to miscorrelations and/or the fact that Gnz expands beyond the Matuyama/Brunhes-boundary. This seems realistic according to the classification of the Donau and the UhlenbergInterglacial. A reliable chronostratigraphical classification and correlation to the MIS-curve is not feasible. 3.1.4 Gnz/mindel (Gnz/mindelian) First description and current application. Penck & Brckner (19011909: 111) called the warm period between the Gnz and the Mindel glacials Gnz/ Mindel-Interglacial. In the current Bavarian climate stratigraphy the term Gnz/Mindel is still in use for this warm phase which so far is solely represented by relics of soil formation on top of Gnz-aged deposits. Type region and occurrence. At present in the Northern Alpine Foreland no locality is suitable to define the Gnz/Mindel interglacial by a pollen record. The following sections comprise parts with an assumed Gnz/Mindel age:

till (marly boulder clay)


II TL 20727 Ka to 27835 Ka 27829 Ka

silt layer with snails in ? alluvial loam boulder bed moraine, weathered or weathered gravel weathered gravel Conglomerate, weathered on top

IV

? G n z - M in d el ?

P l e i s t o c e n e Miocene

III

Ri ? Mindel?

Pedology Lithology soil formation

[m]

sand brown, decalcified

OSM

20

Fig. 3: Section at the ravine of Hinterschmalholz northwest of Obergnzburg after Rgner et al. (1988) and Jerz & Grottenthaler (1995). The section shows the frequent problems of Quaternary stratigraphy: stratigraphical position and partly genetical interpretation of the units are controversial. Abb. 3: Schichtenprofil im Bachtobel von Hinterschmalholz NW Obergnzburg nach Rgner et al. (1988) und Jerz & Grottenthaler (1995).

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339

(i) a fossil soil on meltwater deposits below an eventually Mindel-aged till of the Iller-glacier in the ravine of Hinterschmalholz south of Ottobeuren (Fig. 3; Sinn 1972, Rgner & Lscher 1987, Rgner et al.1988); in contrast, a Ri age is assumed for the till and a Mindel/Ri age for the palaeosol by Roppelt (1988), Jerz & Grottenthaler (1995); (ii) a fossil soil on meltwater deposits below a till of Mindel (or possibly Ri) age of the Lech glacier in the gravel pit Rau Tle southwest of Denklingen (Rgner 1979); (iii) geological pipes in the lowest sequence of the Deckenschotter of the Isar-Loisach glacier in the Klettergarten Baierbrunn south of Munich (Jerz 1993: 33, Fig. 20); (iv) a fossil soil on proximal meltwater to moraine deposits of the Inn glacier below the Jngerer Deckenschotter in the gravel pit Osendorf south of Dorfen (Doppler & Jerz 1995: 44); (v) a fossil soil probably below the Jngere Deckenschotter (Vorstoschotter) of the Salzach glacier in a road cut near Nock northwest of Altenmarkt (Doppler 2003b). Dating and references. Due to the lack of datable deposits reliable information on a chronological position of the warm period at the end of the Gnz is presently missing. 3.1.5 mindel (mindelian sensu lato) First description. The terms Mindel, Mindel glaciation or Mindel ice-age date back to Penck & Brckner (19011909: 110) and describe a Glaziale Serie from Altmorne to Jngere Deckenschotter south of Memmingen or alternatively at the valley of the river Mindel. Two levels of Deckenschotter had already been discerned by Penck (1899; see 3.2.4). Current application. The application of Mindel in Bavaria corresponds largely with the original description. A period beginning with the decline of deciduous woodlands (not documented so far) subsequent to the Gnz and ending with the re-establishment of deciduous wood during the Mindel/Ri is considered as Mindel. However, west of the Iller Schreiner & Ebel (1981) verified an additional glacial period between Gnz and Mindel called Haslach. The associa-ted Haslachschotter (Haslach gravel) was assigned to the Jngere Deckenschotter already by Penck & Brckner (19011909). Haslachequivalent deposits are supposed to exist also in Bavaria (Becker-Haumann 2005; Habbe et al. 2007) but so far this classification could not be clearly confirmed. The Haslach of the type region is separated from the underlying Gnz by a fossil soil and by the superimposed interglacial of Unterpfauzenwald from the Mindel (sensu stricto = classification system of Baden-Wrttemberg). Deposits of assumed Haslach age in Bavaria may have been classified preferably as Mindel so far. Hence the Haslach in Bavaria is considered as an early subunit of Mindel (sensu lato = Bavarian classification system) subdivided by at least one warm period (Unterpfauzenwald). A further climate/chronostratigraphical unit Hokirch was introduced by Ellwanger et al. (1995) into the classification system of Baden-Wrttemberg. It denotes the pe340

riod of the lowermost Pleistocene basin deposits as shown by a drillhole at the basin of Hokirch, south to southwest of Saulgau. This new unit is documented palynologically as pre-Holsteinian. At the same time Hokirch is assumed to be younger than Mindel because Mindel-aged Jngere Deckenschotter are situated in a higher position around the basin of Hokirch. For Hokirch too, the occurrence of corresponding deposits is not yet verified in Bavaria and thus an integration in the climate stratigraphical classification of Bavaria would be premature. Deeply incised gravel deposits that are situated below the ltere Hochterrasse (see 3.2.6) may be assigned to a Hokirch stage in the future. Type region and occurrence. The valley of the eponymous river Mindel lends itself as a type region for Mindel, almost literally in line with the descriptions of Penck & Brckner (19011909: 54). The moraines of the Holzheuer Hhe and the Oberegg-Saulengrainer Schotterzug (string of gravel) demonstrate a classical Glaziale Serie at the headwaters of the river Mindel. The gravel deposits merge with melt water channels of the same age near Mindelheim and continue as KirchheimBurgauer Schotter along the Mindel-valley until reaching the Danube (Jerz et al. 1975; Lscher 1976; BeckerHaumann 2005: 218). The stratigraphical interpretation of the covering strata of the Kirchheim-Burgauer Schotter in the brickyard-pit Offingen near the mouth of the river Mindel is still a matter of debate (cf. Rgner et al. 1988, Bibus 1995). However, the assignment of the underlying Jngerer Deckenschotter to the Mindel is without controversy. Near Kirchdorf east of Mindelheim the Mindel-aged Nagelfluh is overlain by Ri-glacial till. The two units are separated by a fossil interglacial soil (Doppler 1993, Rgner 1993). In search of a type region the area of the Rottal (BadenWrttemberg) has to be considered too. This particular area includes the type locality for the Haslach glacial and the Haslachschotter, the Unterpfauzenwald interglacial as well as the Tannheimer Schotter (Mindel sensu stricto). Conditions are described in detail by Schreiner & Ebel (1981). Depending on the stratigraphical interpretation of the uppermost till cover (Mindel after Rgner et al. 1988: 70, or Ri after Roppelt 1988: 98) different parts of the section at the ravine of Hinterschmalholz near Obergnzburg may represent Mindel (see 3.1.4). Mindel-aged gravel deposits, in particular the Jngere Deckenschotter (see 3.2.5), are widespread in the rest of the Bavarian Alpine Foreland with exception of the Tertiary hills of Lower Bavaria. Furthermore, some of the most distal segments of the Altmorne from the former Iller glacier (disputed), partly from the Isar-Loisach glacier and from the Inn- and Salzach-glacier area are classified as Mindel. The deeply incised Alpine valleys and glacier basins in the foreland contain isolated remnants of basin or moraine deposits which are regarded older than Ri and are thus possibly of Mindel age (Jerz 1979; Frank 1979). In the humid Alpine Foreland loess loam and other covering strata assigned to Mindel are often masked by Pseudogley sequences (stagnic cambisols or luvisols) which are hardly to differentiate (Brunnacker 1982; Bibus 1995).

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WNW Schwarzenbach
700

ESE Friesing
675 m
2,8 160 80

667 m W

Achenbach

(607 m)

Gernmhl
618 m W lacustrine clay ?
1,7 2,3 60 1,8

Fluderbach

coring site Samerberg 2


613 m
75 W 1,9 65 M 2,1 Ho 33 2,3

coring site Samerberg 1


(608 m) 615 m
1,5 150

637 m

617 m
130

600

Flysch

60

602 m 595

W
170

580

?
40

Ee ?R ?M

lacustrine clay 40
~2,8 150 150

2,1 50

lacustrine clay

35 ~2,8

Alpine limestone
70 85 70

80

500

~150

M
~120 <3,0

moraine approx. 500 m asl.

80

300 m 2.5 x vertical exaggeration

Alpine limestone
W Wrm moraine
2,1

seismic refraction record velocity km/s geoelectric depth sounding


35

Ee Eemian (interglacial) R Ri moraine

Ho Holsteinian (interglacial) K. BADER & H. JERZ (1982) M Mindel moraine

specific resistance m boundary according to geophysical measurements

Fig. 4: Cross-section of the basin of Gernmhle (Samerberg) out of Rosenheim derived from geophysical measurements and the Samerberg research drillhole (from Jerz 1983). Abb. 4: Profilschnitt durch das Gernmhler Becken auf Basis geophysikalischer Messungen und den Samerberg-Forschungsbohrungen (aus Jerz 1983).

Dating and references. Mindel sensu lato probably has to be divided in two glacial phases, Haslach and Mindel sensu stricto. A reliable correlation with the MIS-curve for the whole extent is presently not possible. Probably only the upper termination can be linked to MIS 11 (or MIS 9?) by a correlation of Mindel/Ri and Holsteinian. This is in contrast to OSLdatings of sand layers in the Jngere Deckenschotter of the Mindel-valley near Offingen and Burgau which yielded ages of 260 24 ka to 277 24 ka (Klasen 2008). However, the results of the applied method were considered as unreliable by the author herself. TL-dating in Rgner et al. (1988) for a loess-like sediment sampled between overlying till deposits (not definitely classified as Mindel) and weathered loam in the ravine of Hinterschmalholz resulted in ages between 207 27 ka and 278 36 ka. A similar age of 278 29 ka is obtained from the underlying flood deposit. Methodologically these ages have to be taken as minimum ages. The first surface-burial dating-approach applied to the Grnenbacher Schotter (Huselmann et al. 2007) yielded an age of 0.68 + 0.23/-0.24 Ma. This singular and first time age certainly needs affirmation by further dating analyses. Single magnetostratigraphical investigations provided inconsistent results and implicate a miscorrelation between gravel beds east and west of the Iller, both classified as Mindel (or Haslach-Mindel). In the Jngere Deckenschotter at the vicinity of Pfullendorf in the Rhine-glacier area a reversed polarity was yielded (pers. commun. D.

Ellwanger). On the other hand sand layers in the Jngere Deckenschotter in the Salzach-glacier area showed a normal polarity (Strattner & Rolf 1995; Doppler & Jerz 1995). According to these explanations the classification of Mindel and correlations of suspected Mindel-aged deposits may be considered as highly uncertain. 3.1.6 mindel/ri (mindel/rissian) First description and current application. The warm period between Mindel and Ri is described as Mindel/Ri interglacial by Penck & Brckner (19011909: 111). Mindel/Ri is mainly represented by very thick weathered soils compared to the Ri/Wrm interglacial. Therefore Penck & Brckner (19011909) called the Mindel/Ri phase Groes Interglazial (major interglacial). The authors assumed a relatively long duration for this period. The current conception about the course and termination of the Ri has changed the chronological but not the stratigraphical position of this warm period. It is assumed to correspond with the Holsteinian of the Northern European classification. Likewise the Holsteinian Mindel/Ri encompasses a period of deciduous forests characterised by the presence of wing nut and beech (Pterocarya, Fagus). Type region and occurrence. So far in the Northern Alpine Foreland occurrences of interglacial deposits between Mindel and Ri are found only very sporadically, for example at the site of the drill341

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hole Samerberg 2 at the Bavarian Inn-glacier area (see Fig. 4; Jerz 1983; Grger 1983), in the gravel pit Bittelschie at the Upper Swabian Rhine-glacier area (Bludau in Ellwanger et al. 1999), and at the drillhole site Thalgut in the Swiss canton Bern (Welten 1988; Schlchter 1989). Neither underlying nor superimposed glacial deposits are dated so far and according to their basin position the interglacial deposits do not correspond with terrace systems. The classification of these sediments as Mindel/ Ri therefore depends exclusively on palynological analogies with the Holsteinian in the area of the Nordic glaciation. Although the pollen record of Samerberg shows an incomplete succession its overall picture fits well into the generally known sequence. Hence the Samerberg is currently regarded as Mindel/Ri type section for the German Alpine Foreland. Another peat layer situated between a deeply incised gravel accumulation and overlying gravel deposits of the obere Hochterrasse southeast of Regensburg, the socalled Hartinger Schichten (Harting layers) is described by Schellmann (1990). However, palynological investigations by Grosse-Beckmann (1993) gave no clear evidence for the (chrono)stratigraphical classification of the peat. Possibly the Hartinger Schichten even extend below deposits of the Jngere Deckenschotter. Thus, a correlation with Gnz/Mindel has to be given consideration too. Other occurrences of Mindel/Ri in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland are restricted to palaeosols developed on Mindelaged deposits. Loamy weathered gravel deposits have to be mentioned here, the Neufraer Boden south of Riedlingen (Bibus & Ksel 2001) or a palaeosol temporarily accessible at the construction site of the highway A96 east of Mindelheim (Doppler 1993, Rgner 1993). Mindel/Ri-aged soils often reach into the conglomerate host rocks by metreslong pipes. In other places parts of the lower layers of loess loam sections have to be assigned to Mindel. In general these interglacial soils have transformed to Pseudogley (stagnic cambisols or luvisols; Doppler & Jerz 1995). Dating and references. The correlation of the Mindel/Ri interglacial of Samerberg and the Holsteinian is based on the results of palynological investigations (Grger 1983). The Holsteinian in turn predominantly is thought to correspond with MIS 11 (approx. 420360 ka). However, recently also a linkage to MIS 9 is suggested (e. g. Geyh & Mller 2005). Numeric age determinations for the Mindel/Ri interglacial are not available so far. 3.1.7 ri (rissian) First description. The terms Riss or Riss glacial are attributed to Penck & Brckner (19011909: 110, 398). Penck applied it for the Glaziale Serie from Altmorne to Hochterrassenschotter, which he observed along the Ri valley near Biberach. However, the connection between moraine ridges and melt-water terrace they assumed was later refuted (see 3.2.6). Penck & Brckner (19011909: 31, Fig. 3, 4) were aware of different levels of the Hochterrasse but nevertheless considered the Ri as an undivided glacial unit.
342

Current application. In accordance with the official spelling of the small eponymous river in Upper Swabia the climate stratigraphical unit most commonly is spelled Ri, only sometimes Riss. The whole period between the decline of woodland after the Mindel/Ri Interglacial (Holsteinian 1 at Samerberg according to Grger 1983; Pterocarya interglacial after Drescher-Schneider 2001) and the beginning re-establishment of forests during the Ri/Wrm-interglacial is considered as Ri. Meanwhile there is widespread evidence for a subdivision of the Ri into different ice advances, as it is for the Saalian. Holsteinian 2 at Samerberg according to Grger (1983) for instance correlates with the Wacken/Dmnitz interglacial, part of the Saalian complex (Litt et al. 2007). However, a classification accepted by everyone and applicable to all Ri-deposits is still lacking. The subdivision of the Ri is documented most explicitly at the type region selected by Penck the Ri valley as well as in other areas of the former Upper Swabian Rhine glacier (Schreiner 1989; Bibus & Ellwanger 1995, Miara 1996, Bibus & Ksel 2001). A threefold subdivision into lteres (Older Ri; also Altri, Zungenri), Mittleres (Middle Ri; also Mittelri, Hauptri, Doppelwallri) and Jngeres Ri (Younger Ri; also Jungri) is assumed. The Obere Hochterrasse (morphologically higher; for instance 21m above the valley bottom of the river Ri) originates from the Doppelwall (double ridge) and the Untere Hochterrasse (morphologically lower; 13 m above the valley bottom of the river Ri) from a terminal moraine, which should be situated backward but is not clearly identifiable. lteres Ri is represented by till and gravel deposits below embankments of the Doppelwallri and possibly also by advanced moraine-ridges (Schreiner 1989). According to Bibus & Ksel (2001) it appears likely that all the three cold phases of the Ri are separated by different palaeosols which indicate interglacial conditions (Tab. 2). In Bavaria subdivisions of the Ri are obvious too. They are documented by different moraine stages partly attributed to glacier oscillations or by different levels of the Hochterrasse. However, these subdivisions are not formalised on a supraregional scale. Particularly in the Salzach-glacier area the subdivisions of the Ri-aged moraines (Grimm et al. 1979) seem comparable to those of the Rhine glacier. The Hochterrasse in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland shows two terrace levels and an internal subdivision of the Obere Hochterrasse (see 3.2.6). Type region and occurrence. The well-investigated Ri valley is regarded to be the type region, complemented by additional Upper Swabian sites (Schreiner 1989 to Bibus & Ksel 2001). Ri is represented at many places in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland by tills and underlying gravel deposits of the ice-advance (Vorstoschotter), while glaciofluvial terraces accompany most of the river valleys (cf. 3.2). Basin sediments and aeolian deposits on surfaces older than Ri are to be mentioned too. Dating and references. Ri is positioned between the Mindel/Ri interglacial (= Holsteinian of Samerberg) and the Ri/Wrm intergla-

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cial (= Eemian). The latter is clearly identified at some locations in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland. Ri probably correlates with the multi-phased Northern German Saalian and thus encompasses the MIS 10 to MIS 6. So far no numeric dates of the intra-Ri warm phases are available because they are represented only by soil remnants. Tentatively they correlate with MIS 9 and MIS7. At present only luminescence methods are available for numeric dating of deposits classified as Ri. The few samples dated so far yielded ages of about 280 to 110 ka (Fiebig & Preusser 2003; Klasen 2008). The beginning and the termination of the Ri is defined by the delimiting interglacials, which provide improved dating opportunities. Their correlation with MIS 11 and MIS 5e results in a time span between 360 and 128 ka for Ri. 3.1.8 ri/Wrm (riss/Wuermian) First description and current application. Penck & Brckner (19011909: 111) use the term Ri/ Wrm interglacial for the warm period between the Ri and the Wrm glacials. They found it documented as a phase of incision into the older terrace deposits and in form of palaeosols. Besides this traditional perspective, the Ri/ Wrm warm period can be classified biostratigraphically and by numeric ages nowadays. The Ri/Wrm interglacial encompasses the forested phase between Ri and Wrm. Its climax stadium is characterised by increased portions of yew (Taxus). Frenzel (1978) assumed two different interglacials responsible for palynologically different types of Ri/Wrm interglacial occurrences in the Alpine Foreland (type Zeifen and type Pfefferbichl). According to Drescher-Schneider (2000a) the difference is probably based on diverse forest communities depending on the altitudinal zone. So actually a Tieflandtyp (lowland type) and a Alpiner Typ (alpine type) may be discerned. The correlation with the Eemian in the area of the Nordic glaciation is assured and this term is commonly used for the area of the Alpine glaciation too. However, the term Ri/Wrm is prefered here because it fits into the Alpine classification system and allows for possible variations due to different environments in both regions. Type region and occurrence. Due to its completeness and its diversification the most suitable type location of the Ri/Wrm interglacial is the profile of the lake sediments at Samerberg (Jerz 1979; Grger 1979). The Mondsee section at the Salzkammergut/ Austria (Drescher-Schneider 2009b) is regarded as comparably complete and even shows the succeeding development of the Early Wrm. Further well-investigated but less complete sequences of Ri/Wrm deposits occur as lake marls or Schieferkohle (compressed peat) at the following sites: Zeifen east of Lake Waging (Jung et al. 1972), Eurach south of Seeshaupt at the Starnberger See (former Wrmsee), Groweil east of Murnau, Herrnhausen south of Wolfratshausen, and Pfefferbichl near Buching (all mentioned in Bayerisches Geologisches Landesamt 1979, 1983). Another example of Ri/Wrm-aged deposits is the calcareous sinter (Kalktuff) at the river Lech near Kolonie Hurlach north

of Kaufering, which contains an interglacial mollusc fauna (Kovanda 1989). The Ri/Wrm is also widespread in form of palaeosols, sometimes even called Eemboden (Eemian soil). These palaeosols (e. g. Rosnaer Boden after Bibus & Ksel 2001) occur on gravel deposits and moraines of the Ri phase. The Ri/Wrm soil is often the only well discernable interglacial soil in loess loam sections of the humid Alpine Foreland. Older palaeosols are difficult to distinguish because in most cases they are amalgamated to thick packets of Pseudogley (Stagnic Cambisol or Luvisol). Dating and references. The Ri/Wrm correlates palynologically and according to numeric ages with the Eemian of the Nordic classification system and therefore with MIS 5e. Palynological analyses on peats (in part called Schieferkohle) are mentioned above and in Table 1. It should be noted that also an interstadial origin has to be taken in account for some of the peat layers of the Alpine Foreland. Peat and the calcareous sinter of Hurlach are dated by the U/Th-method (Jerz 1993: 82; Jerz & Mangelsdorf 1989; Doppler 2003b). The results point to a period of formation between approximate 125 and 100 ka. So, in part the deposits are younger than the assumed duration of the Ri/Wrm-interglacial and their formation may have continued to the earliest parts of the Wrm. 3.1.9 Wrm (Wuermian) First description. The terms Wrm, Wrm glaciation or Wrm ice age were introduced by Penck & Brckner (19011909: 110). Penck uses it for the Glaziale Serie of the last glaciation that can be traced from the younger moraines of the Illerglacier into the Memminger Tal. In order to continue with his concept of naming glaciations in an alphabetical order he selected the Wrm, a small river west of Munich which crosses the younger moraine ridges of the Lake Wrm lobe (part of the Isar-Loisach glacier) and the adjacent Wrmaged alluvial plain of the Mnchner Schotterebene. Like the other glacials Penck & Brckner (19011909) considered the Wrm glacial as single-phase event. Thus their Glaziale Serie primarily encompasses only the comparatively short pleniglacial period. Current application. Currently the whole period between the decline of woodlands after the Ri/WrmInterglacial and their re-installation in the Holocene is considered as Wrm. Since the first definition by Penck & Brckner (19011909) different ideas emerged concerning the development and subdivision of the Wrm. This paper cannot refer to all of these conceptions. Since 1983 the Wrm is subdivided formally into Unteres (Lower), Mittleres (Middle) and Oberes (Upper) Wrm (Chaline & Jerz 1984). The Lower Wrm starts with the decline of woodlands after the Ri/Wrm-interglacial (pollen zone 13 in the Fluderbach section at Samerberg). It lasts until the end of the second interstadial of the Lower Wrm (pollen zone 25 of core Samerberg 1; Grger 1979). The succeeding decline of trees (pollen zone
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26) initiates the Middle Wrm whose end is defined as the lithological change of pelitic pond sediments to overlying gravel at the locality Baumkirchen at the Tirolean Inn valley. The gravel was deposited in front of the advancing Inn glacier (Vorstoschotter). The Upper Wrm ranges to the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary as formally defined at a Greenland ice core (Walker et al. 2009). In Bavaria, due to a lack of palynological data for most of the Wrm aged deposits, a pragmatic classification is applied. Instead of palynological features the last glacial advance into the Alpine Foreland is used as criterion for the division into Frhwrm (Early Wrm), Hochwrm (Wrm Pleniglacial) and Sptwrm (Late Wrm). Frhwrm encompasses the whole period between the Ri/ Wrm and the glacial advance of the Hochwrm. The term Frhwrm elsewhere e. g. in Switzerland however is used synonymic for Unteres Wrm (Lower Wrm). The lower boundary of the Upper Wrm is conform to the Hochwrm. However, concerning the gravel accumulations in front and below the advancing glaciers a clear separation of Early Wrm and pleniglacial parts is mostly impossible like in the area of the former Loisach-glacier (Dreesbach 1986). According to the Bavarian classification all sediments of the Wrm deposited after the ice retreat from the Innere Jungendmorne (= internal terminal moraines of the Pleniglacial) are assigned to the Late Wrm (Chaline & Jerz 1984: 191). This corresponds only roughly with other definitions for the lower boundary of the Late Wrm: (i) by the retreat from younger ice margins like the Ammerseestadium of the former Loisach glacier or (ii) by palynological criteria. According to palynology glaciers had already retreated into the alpine valleys at the beginning of the Late glacial (cf. Feldmann 1994: 234). Type region and occurrence. At the conference of the Subcommission of European Quaternary Stratigraphy (SEQS) in 1983 a type region of the Wrm was constituted in the area of the former Inn glacier including the localities Baumkirchen and Samerberg and the former Isar-Loisach glacier with its terminal moraine ridges around the Starnberger See or Wrmsee (Chaline & Jerz 1984). The Lower, Middle and Upper Wrm are defined at the locations mentioned above. The three units Frhwrm (Early Wuerm), Hochwrm (Pleniglacial) and Sptwrm (Late Wuerm), especially the boundary between the latter units however are not defined at certain localities. Because of varying response times of glaciers to climate changes there may be minor differences concerning the chronology of different glacier lobes. In the Bavarian Alps and the Bavarian Alpine Foreland deposits of the Wrm glacial are widespread and encompass different glacial remnants like glacio-lacustrine deposits in the deeply eroded alpine valleys and foreland basins and moraines of different characteristics. In the valleys melt-water deposits like Niederterrassen and Sptglazialterrassen but also bergangsterrassen (see 3.2.8, 3.2.9, 3.2.7) are classified to Wrm. Additional periglacial deposits of autochthonous valleys and other periglacial sediments have to be kept in mind, especially aeolian deposits like loess loam and loess to sand drift.
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Dating and references. The correlation of the Wrm with MIS 5d to 2 is beyond dispute and documented by numeric ages and palynological correlations. For the two older interstadials at Samerberg Grger (1979) finds a correlation with the Brrup (MIS 5c) or the Odderade (MIS 5a) from the Nordic classification. With exception of an ambiguous third interstadial at Samerberg the sequence of MIS 4 to 3 is not yet resolved very well, even not in Baumkirchen. However, plant remains derived from the varved clays at Baumkirchen were dated by radiocarbon. They document ice-free conditions in the Inn-valley until at least 25 ka BP. 27 ka BP is the youngest uncorrected radiocarbon age from the clay pit Baumkirchen, still several tens of metres below the front of proximal glacio-fluvial gravels (Fliri 1983, Patzelt & Resch 1986). The retreat from the Innere Jungendmorne and thus the beginning of the late glacial is not clearly defined. The Inn valley near Innsbruck was icefree at around 14 ka BP, in accordance with first organic sedimentation in the Lanser See (Bortenschlager 1984). In the basin of the Murnauer Moos ice-free conditions are suggested from around 16 ka BP (Schneider 2006: 289). Thus the climatic conditions probably ameliorated clearly before 16 ka BP and brought about the ice retreat from the Innere Jungendmorne. For a current classification of the Upper Pleistocene in Switzerland, based on luminescence and cosmogenic nuclide dating, see Preusser (2004) and Ivy-Ochs (2004). 3.1.10 Holocene Superordinate chronostratigraphical units like Pleistocene and Holocene are defined internationally (Walker et al. 2008). The comment on the chronostratigraphical series Holocene thus may be restricted to regional aspects. Current application. So far a subdivision of the Holocene into subseries or stages (e. g. Bortenschlager 1982) is not formalised internationally. The sub-division of the Holocene used in Bavaria refers to the pollen record of Central Europe (Firbas 1949, 1952). Preboreal and Boreal (pre-warming period and early warming period) are summarised as Early Holocene and Atlantikum and Subboreal (warming period and late warming period) as Middle Holocene. The Late Holocene correlates with the Subatlantikum (post-warming period). Instead of the formal term Holocene for the youngest still persisting episode in earths history the name Postglazial (Post Glacial) is often used in Bavaria, especially to name Holocene river terraces (Postglazialterrassen; see 3.2.10). The subdivision into early, middle and late Postglacial correlates with the classification into Early, Middle and Late Holocene, but there are no exact boundaries. The Holocene encompasses the period of human settlement when men influenced significantly the ecosystem. Pollen grains e. g. of common hop/hemp (humulus/cannabis) in the Ammersee document the beginning of horticulture during the Boreal (Kleinmann 1995). At the river valleys human influence is traceable by wide-spread floodplain deposits (Auenablagerungen). Those fine-grained flood deposits are primarily attributed to outwash events in consequence of for-

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Fig. 5: Schemes of terrace-flights of the Northern Alpine Foreland in Bavaria and partly Wrttemberg (without scale). Abb. 5: Schematische Darstellung der Terrassentreppen des bayerischen (und wrttembergischen) Alpenvorlands (ohne Mastab). Fig. 5a: Proximal region (around Iller-Lech alluvial plain). Abb. 5a: Proximaler Bereich (etwa Gebiet der Iller-Lech-Platte).

lteste Deckenschotter

Hhere ltere Deckenschotter

Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter

Jngere Deckenschotter

Hochterrassen

bergangsterr.

Niederterrassen

SptglazialTerr.

Postglazialterrassen

Jngere Postglazialterrassen flood plain

marl (mostly clods)

lteste PeriglazialSchotter

soil formation decalcified, loamy, partly transported marl resp. alluvial deposits loess(loam) gravel conglomerate Tertiary molasse

marl (mostly clods)

Fig. 5b: Distal region (around Dungau; changed after Schellmann et al. 2010: Fig. 19, 20). Abb. 5b: Distaler Bereich (etwa Dungau; verndert nach Schellmann et al. 2010: Abb. 19, 20).

Tertiary uplands

Hhere ltere Deckenschotter

Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter

Jngere Deckenschotter

Hochterrassen

bergangsterrassen

Niederterrassen

Sptglazialterrassen

Postglazialterrassen flood plain

Jngere Postglazialterrassen

peat soil formation decalcified, loamy, partly transported marl resp. alluvial deposits sand drift loess(loam) gravel Tertiary molasse

Hartinger Schichten buried channel

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est clearing for the expanding agriculture since the Bronze Age (late Subboreal). Floodplain deposits which are largely but not solely restricted to the Late Holocene often display the only chronological subdivision of Holocene presented on geological maps apart from artificial accumulations. The early and the middle Postglacial are not clearly to distinguish without dating. River corrections and regulations primarily during the last 200 years brought an end to the natural dynamic of most of Bavarias watercourses. Occurrences. In Bavaria Holocene deposits occur mainly as river sediments along most of the active watercourses. In addition Holocene lake deposits, peat bogs, calcareous sinter or redeposited material like aeolian drift sands, outwash-sediments and accumulations from mass movements can be discerned. The geomorphodynamics during warm periods like the Holocene differ significantly from processes of the cold phases. Warm phases are characterised by a widely closed vegetation canopy, an active body of groundwater, and a resulting tempered run-off regime. Meandering rivers are documented by widespread terrace-sequences. At the lower reaches of the alpine rivers and in the Danube-valley terraces show only marginal differences in altitude (Reihenterrassen after Schirmer 1983). Sedimentological analyses combined with datings argue for a river dynamic which varied considerably during the Holocene. As the associated changes appear almost synchronously in all river systems of the Northern Alpine Foreland terrace development seems to be triggered by climatic changes. Dating and references. The Holocene encompasses the last 11.5 ka which is a comparatively short period with respect to the geological time scale. For classification or numeric age dating of Holocene deposits various methods exist depending on the material, like palynology, radiocarbon dating, luminescence dating, stable isotopes, dendro-chronology and archaeological and historic techniques. Thus, a high-resolution anatomy of this period is possible. 3.2 terrace stratigraphy for southern bavaria General information. In Bavaria the terrace stratigraphy (classification by means of different terrace levels) applies the concept introduced by Penck (1882) and Penck & Brckner (19011909). In later years the terrace stratigraphical system was extended by Jerz et al. (1975) and Schellmann (1990) as is demonstrated in Table 4. Younger terrace deposits at the valleys are distinguished from older Deckenschotter (approximately cover gravel) generally capturing the ridges between the valleys. However, in contrast to the original intention of the denomination it is not evident that Hoch- and Niederterrassen are restricted to valleys and lteste to Jngere Deckenschotter mainly occur as sheet-like deposits (see Fig. 5). The widespread Niederterrasse of the alluvial plain of Munich (Mnchner Schotterebene) and the Jngere Deckenschotter of the Mindel-valley, which is delimited like a terrace, may be cited as examples (Penck
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1899). The terms Hochterrasse to Postglazialterrasse are describing (geo)morphological forms after all. But at the same time they often are used for the associated sedimentary units (Schellmann 1990). The terrace deposits of the Bavarian Alpine Foreland are predominantly composed of gravel with an Alpine provenance. Depending on the catchment area there are considerable variations especially concerning the ratio between carbonate and crystalline rocks. Gravel deposits of the same age may show a totally different composition. If the catchment of a glacier extends well into the Central Alps the amount of crystalline rocks generally increases towards the younger deposits. The absence of easily weathering dolomite and an enrichment of components resistant against weathering and transport are used for identification of periglacial gravels (Liegendfazies cf. Lscher 1976; Molassekristallinfazies cf. Doppler 2003a). Fresh glacio-fluvial gravel deposits (Hangendfazies respectively Alpine Karbonatfazies) usually show nearly complete spectra of carbonaceous Alpine rocks, including dolomite. The river Danube along its course incorporates rocks of the Black Forest, the Alb region, and the eastern Bavarian crystalline basement. This enables an identification of former stream courses (Urdonau = proto-Danube cf. Scheuenpflug 1971; Weijurafazies cf. Lscher 1976). Recent synopses of the gravel occurrences in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland including a detailed documentation of literature are provided by Doppler (2003), Rgner (2004), Becker-Haumann (2005) and Schellmann (2010). Some of the expansive interpretations of Becker-Haumann (2005) are not adopted here (e. g. concerning the origin of the Weijuraschotter, the diversification of the Staudenplattenschotter or of the Grnenbacher Feld). 3.2.1 ltester deckenschotter (oldest Cover Gravel) First description. For the first time the term ltester Deckenschotter is applied probably by Jerz et al. (1975) as an extension of Pencks Deckenschotter classification. The term denotes Pleistocene gravel deposits situated in the highest morphological positions of the Iller-Lech alluvial plain. However, Jerz assigns these accumulations partly to the Donau glacial. Current application. The term is currently used by the Geological Survey in Bavaria for gravel deposits which correlate with terrace levels from the Staufenbergschotter down to the Staudenplattenschotter and are considered to be of Biber age. This is in accordance with the reclassification of large parts of ltere Deckenschotter of the Iller-Mindel alluvial plain into the Donau glacial by Lscher (1976). According to their altitude levels occurrences of the lteste Deckenschotter are described as Hochschotter, Oberer Deckschotter and Mittlerer Deckschotter by Graul (1949) and students as well as by Schaefer (1953). In contrast to Doppler & Jerz (1995) the Hochschotter is summarised here too. Notwithstanding, in Baden-Wrttemberg the term is applied at the same time for Deckenschotter of Donau age in the level of the Zusamplatte (e. g. Erlenmooser and Erolzheimer Schotter).

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Tab. 4: Synopsis of terrace stratigraphical systems used in Southern Bavaria.

Tab. 4: Synopsis der Terrassen-stratigraphischen Nomenklatursysteme im deutschen Alpenvorland. sCheLLMann (1990): lower isar and Donau valley: 1 Geological survey BadenWuerttemberg, eLLwanger & viLLinger (2005): 2 auenterrassen 1 grauL (1943 here also Deckterrasse, 1962), sChaefer (1953), LsCher (1976), tiLLManns et al. (1983) sChaefer (1953, 1955)

Climate-(Chrono-) stratigraphic classification BW = currently just in BadenWuerttemberg

Bavarian Environment agency, based on: penCk & BrCkner (1901-09), Jerz et al. (1976), doppLer & Jerz (1995)

eBerL (1930)

Holocene

postglazialterrasse(n)

late Wrm niederterrassen 1+2 bergangsterrassen 1 Hochterrassen 1+2 Hochterrassen Hochterrassen niederterrassen niederterrassen

sptglazialterrasse(n) niederterrassen

Wrm pleniglacial

niederterrasse(n)

?Early Wrm

bergangsterrasse(n)

ri

Hochterrasse(n)

Hochterrassen

+ Hokirch (BW) Jngere Deckenschotter 1+2 Mittlere Deckenschotter 2 ltere Deckenschotter 1+2 unterer Deckschotter lteste Deckenschotter 1+2 Mittlerer Deckschotter Oberer Deckschotter Hochschotter 1 Hochschotter Hhenterrassen Deckterrassen Donauschotter + Ottobeurer sch. Zwischenterrassen Zwischenterrassen altterrassen Deckterrassen

Mindel

+ Haslach (BW)

Jngerer Deckenschotter

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Gnz

tieferer* lterer Deckenschotter

Donau

Hherer* lterer Deckenschotter

Biber

ltester Deckenschotter + lteste periglazialschotter

* tieferer resp. Hherer in the sense of morphologically lower resp. higher (= younger resp. older)

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Type region and occurrence. The gravel deposits of the Staufenberg-Terrassentreppe and the Staudenplatte are suggested as type region for the lteste Deckenschotter. This unit has to be subdivided in probably at least three terrace-levels of different age: Hchste lteste Deckenschotter (= Hochschotter; Highest Oldest Cover Gravel), Hhere lteste Deckenschotter (= Obere Deckschotter; Higher Oldest Cover Gravel) and Tiefere lteste Deckenschotter (= Mittlere Deckschotter; Lower Oldest Cover Gravel). Each of them needs an appropriate type locality. The localities Hochfirst on the Iller-Lech alluvial plain, Arlesrieder Schotter, Staudenplatte, Staufenberg-Terrassentreppe and the Aindlinger Terrassentreppe (flight of terraces) are counted among the occurrences of the lteste Deckenschotter in Bavaria. They all are attributed to the proto-Iller which extended in south-western to northeastern direction to the present lower-end of the river Lech. East of the mentioned occurrences on the Iller-Lech alluvial plain gravel accumulations indicating definitely an appropriate old age are so far not identified. Just along the former stream course of the Danube small elevated gravel deposits are described. A diversification from residual gravel deposits (Restschotter) of the Miocene Upper Freshwater Molasse or possible Pliocene accumulations sometimes is difficult here because of complete weathering (e. g. Tillmanns 1977; Hilgart 1995). Termination and lithology. The ltester Deckenschotter displays the occurrence of glacio-fluvial gravel deposits most elevated in the Northern Alpine Foreland. Older gravel deposits are of Miocene (Upper Freshwater Molasse) or Pliocene origin. Their pebble composition is dominated by Quartz and thus they are to distinguish from fresh carbonaceous ltester Deckenschotter. The unit following the lteste Deckenschotter is the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter (Zusamplattenschotter and equivalents). Surface and base of this accumulations are situated more than 10 m lower than lteste Deckenschotter. The lteste Deckenschotter is mostly decalcified and in general shows a completely weathered and partly loamy/ silty residual gravel deposit. It is only rarely preserved as conglomerate. For the larger part the deposits are strongly dissected and affected by erosional processes. Mentionable covering strata of aeolian origin are just located at better preserved areas (e. g. near Markt Wald). But no section with a stratification according to the old age of these deposits has already been found. Classification and correlation. So far no direct numeric or relative datings of the lteste Deckenschotter are available. Only clods of marl in the Staudenplattenschotter near Fischach and Walkertshofen (Eberl 1930: 309; Schrder & Dehm 1951) provided mollusc faunas which are comparable to the Bucher Schneckenmergel (see 3.1.1). Based on its faunal composition a Tiglian age is probable for the Staudenplattenschotter. Regarding the relationship with the Zusamplattenschotter (see 3.2.3) the Staudenplattenschotter may be assigned to an older part of Tiglian.

3.2.2 ltester Periglazialschotter (oldest Periglacial Gravel) First description and current application. The term ltester Periglazialschotter is used by Doppler (2003) as collective name for gravel deposits which occur locally below the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter. The socalled Ottobeurer Schotter (Eberl 1930), the Liegendfazies (Sinn 1972; Lscher 1976), and the Urdonauschotter (gravel of the proto-Danube; Scheuenpflug 1971, Villinger 2003) are considered as parts of this unit. The lteste Periglazialschotter are assumed to be deposited as channel fills aside of glacial runoff. Type region and occurrence. So far lteste Periglazialschotter are verified only in the western part of the Bavarian Alpine Foreland. The Ottobeurer Schotter and the Liegend- or MolassekristallinFazies are to be found at the south-western Iller-Lech alluvial plain and the Zusamplatte, the Urdonauschotter in the northern part of this area. At present no permanent outcrops of the Ottobeurer Schotter are available. Hence, we have to refer to the descriptions of Eberl (1930: 312), Sinn (1972) and Rgner & Lscher (1993). The Liegendfazies or Molassekristallinfazies in the Iller-Mindel alluvial plain may still be investigated in the vast clay pit near Altenstadt/Untereichen. From here these deposits are described on top of sandy Molasse sediments by Lscher (1976: 49). Another outcrop is the gravel pit west of Wettenhausen where superimposed glacio-fluvial Hherer lterer Deckenschotter could not be identified but may be masked by weathering. The well-described gravel pit at the Kirchberg in Wrleschwang may serve as type locality of the Urdonauschotter (Lscher 1976: 14; Becker-Haumann 2003: 158). The specific facies of the proto-Danube is exposed here temporarily in new gravel pits. Termination and lithology. The ltester Periglazialschotter mostly appears incised in sediments of the Upper Freshwater Molasse. The channel fill deposits are covered by Hhere ltere Deckenschotter in a facies dominated by Alpine carbonates. At some outcrops clods of marl are found at the base of this superimposed accumulation. Near Buch in-situ fine-grained flood deposits containing interglacial molluscs occurred in a comparable position (Schrder & Dehm 1951). Due to a different pebble composition the lteste Periglazialschotter can be distinguished from the covering Hhere ltere Deckenschotter. The Ottobeurer Schotter and the Liegendfazies are characterised by a higher amount of central-alpine crystalline components. They are regarded as deposits of periglacial streams with a catchment area in the conglomerate sequences of the Miocene alluvial fan of the Adelegg (Sinn 1972; Molassekristallinfazies cf. Doppler 2003a). The Urdonauschotter in contrast is primarily composed of pebbles derived from the Alb (Malm limestone) and sporadically also from the Black Forest (e. g. red granite; Villinger 2003).

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Classification and correlation. Only the molluscs of the covering fluvial sediments, which are mostly preserved just as redeposited clods, enable a correlation with the Tiglian of north-western Europe (Rhle 1995; Mnzing & Aktas 1984). Thus they give evidence for the minimum age of the underlying lteste Periglazialschotter. Generally just a relative classification older than the Donau-aged covering Hhere ltere Deckenschotter is possible. Hence, a correlation with the Biber-aged lteste Deckenschotter is feasible but not documented definitely. Apparently the lteste Periglazialschotter were deposited west of the lteste Deckenschotter of the proto-Iller and form the infill of a deeper incised discharge system. 3.2.3 Hherer lterer deckenschotter (Higher older Cover Gravel) First description and current application. The term Hherer lterer Deckenschotter is used for the first time by Doppler & Jerz (1995) describing the equivalents of the Zusamplattenschotter. It is intended to distinguish an older part of the lterer Deckenschotter that occurs at a higher level in the type region near Memmingen from a younger part at a lower level. The first called Hherer lterer Deckenschotter is classified as Donau-aged. The latter called Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter is assumed to be of Gnz age (see 3.2.4). Penck & Brckner (1901-1909) and in many cases also Eberl (1930) assumed a Gnz age for the total of all ltere Deckenschotter. Penck & Brckner (1901-1909) interpreted the higher position of some occurrences of their ltere Deckenschotter as a result of tectonic movements. Eberl (1930) disproved this view and introduced the new Donau glacial to explain these circumstances (cf. 3.1.2). In Baden-Wrttemberg deposits correlating with Zusamplattenschotter are called lteste Deckenschotter like Biber-aged gravels in Bavaria. Graul (1949) and his students (Sinn 1972, Lscher 1976) use the term Unterer Deckschotter for corresponding deposits and assign them later on to Donau. Type region and occurrence. The Zusamplatte without the north-western extensions of the Druisheimer and the Wortelstettener Schotter is suggested as type region for the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter. It should be made clear that the locally underlying Liegendfazies respectively Molassekristallinfazies (see 3.2.2) has to be separated from the Hherer lterer Deckenschotter. The gravel pits Altenstadt/Untereichen and Kirchberg at Wrleschwang may be regarded as type localities of the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter revealing especially its lower boundary to the underlying lteste Periglazialschotter. More occurrences of the Hherer lterer Deckenschotter in the Ri-Lech alluvial plain can be traced from the region of Memmingen along the Zusamplattenschotter to the Untere Deckschotter of the Aindlinger Terrassentreppe. All this gravel deposits originate from the proto-Iller (Sinn 1972). The isolated occurrence of the Stoffersberg near Landsberg/ Lech may represent an affluent originating from the Lech

area. In the eastern Bavarian Alpine Foreland further accumulations of Hhere ltere Deckenschotter occur along the former river course of the Danube (recent mapping of Schellmann) or along periglacial affluents (e. g. valley of the Paar, Doppler et al. 2002). They all show an elevated position above gravel deposits assumed to Gnz. Comparable evidence in the south-eastern Bavarian Alpine Foreland is still missing. Some gravel deposits on a higher level than ltere Deckenschotter but of assumed Pleistocene origin are described from the northern rim of the Hausruck and Kobernauerwald (Upper Austria) in the foreland of the former Salzach glacier (e. g. Eichwaldschotter; Ebers et al. 1966). Termination and lithology. Hhere ltere Deckenschotter often are embedded more than 20 m deeper than the lowest lteste Deckenschotter (Zusamplattenschotter versus Staudenplattenschotter) and about 10m higher than the bottom of the oldest accumulations attributed to the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter. The discovery of an interglacial mollusc fauna in the upper segment of the Zusamplattenschotter near Lauterbrunn (Rhle 1995) implies that this widespread accumulation is probably composed of different sedimentary sequences of cold and warm phases of the Donau age. However, no terrace flight is observable. That contradicts the view of Schaefer (1980) discerning an extensive number of terraces at the Zusamplatte. Moreover, it must be kept in mind that lteste Periglazialschotter and their covering fine-grained flood deposits (see 3.2.2) may occur not only below the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter but locally may reach to the surface. Primarily in the southern areas where its remnants show a thickness of more than 5m the Hherer lterer Deckenschotter is predominantly unweathered but in part contains brittle dolomite pebbles. A consolidation to Nagelfluh is possible and deep weathering cones may occur (e. g. Geologische Orgeln at Bossarts south-west of Ottobeuren). The gravel distribution is less reduced by erosion than for lteste Deckenschotter. On widely preserved plateaus often covering strata of aeolian origin (loess loam) reach a thickness of more than 10 m. They are usually subdivided by surfacewater gleyic palaeosols (Pseudogley). Below the last-interglacial soil these palaeosols are mostly amalgamated and do not approve a clear stratification. Classification and correlation. Biostratigraphical and magnetostratigraphical methods mostly can be applied in the covering strata (see 3.1.2; e. g. Uhlenberg) and result in minimum ages for the gravel deposits. Fauna is very rare, especially within the gravel deposits. The molluscs of Lauterbrunn are comparable with fauna collections from lteste Deckenschotter and other places of Hherer lterer Deckenschotter of the Iller-Lech alluvial plain. According to Rhle (1995) all these faunae correlate with the Tiglian. Huselmann et al. (2007) presented a first numeric age for the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter of the Bhener Feld by cosmogenic nuclides (burial age dating). This method is in an early stage so that the resulting age of 2.35 +1.08/-0.88 Ma has to be considered with caution. Gnz age was origi349

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nally supposed by Penck & Brckner (19011909) for the Bhener Feld and adopted by Huselmann et al. (2007). But since Lscher (1976) these conglomerates (Nagelfluh) sampled at Wolfertschwenden are mostly assumed to be of Donau age. 3.2.4 tieferer lterer deckenschotter (Lower older Cover Gravel) First description and current application. Investigations by Penck (1899) at the Falkensporn (south of Memmingen) led to a disjunction of the Deckenschotter in two autonomous accumulations separated chronologically into ltere and jngere respectively obere and untere Deckenschotter. The ltere Deckenschotter he assigned to the fourth to last glacial called Gnz. Eberl (1930), Schaefer (1957), and Lscher (1976) carried out more detailed subdivisions of the ltere Deckenschotter. Only small parts of the formerly wide-spread gravel deposits remained to be of Gnz age. For these parts the term Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter was introduced by Doppler & Jerz (1995) in order to characterise the terrace morphological position between the Donau-aged Hhere ltere Deckenschotter and the Mindel-aged Jngere Deckenschotter. In the reverse conclusion Gnz is defined by the Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter. This is not satisfying but at that time without alternative. Type region and occurrence. Corresponding deposits are scarce on the southern IllerLech alluvial plain. Here for a trusted integration to the stratigraphic system a type location should be found for the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter. Not until the northwestern parts of the Iller-Lech alluvial plain they appear as Zwischenterrassenschotter (Lscher 1976). But their classification into the Gnz by Doppler (2003a) as a continuation of the Zeiler Schotter (Schreiner & Ebel 1981) is controversial. Lscher (1976) assigned the Zwischenterrassenschotter to the Donau. On the southern Iller-Lech alluvial plain the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter is represented by some resticted occurrences of gravel deposits (Rgner 2004). However, their classification is not always undisputable. For instance recent mapping did not yield a difference of the Zadels-Stefansrieder Schotter of assumed Gnz age and the Donau-aged Bhener Schotter (pers. commun. B. Lempe). One of the reasons for the limited distribution of Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter may be the reorientation in the main discharge direction of the glacial runoff of the former Rhine and Iller glacier. The flew direction moved from northeast during Biber and Donau near to north during the Gnz. More outcrops of the Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter exist in the rest of the Alpine Foreland. They occur in the area of the Mnchner Schotterebene in a normal-stratigraphical succession below Mindel-aged Jngerer Deckenschotter (e. g. Klettergarten Baierbrunn, Jerz 1993). According to their position they mostly are exposed just along deeply incised valleys like that of the Isar. In the foreland of the former Inn glacier they build up the Rattenkirchener Schotterfeld (Knig 1979: 47). In the Bavarian
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part of the former Salzach-glacier foreland an occurrence at the Eschelberg west of Burghausen is to be mentioned (Eichler & Sinn 1974). At the Hechenberg more close to Burghausen and around Altenmarkt at the river Alz gravel deposits probably were accumulated during the advance of the Gnz-aged glacier (Doppler 1980: 152159). It is not possible to correlate these basin internal occurrences directly with terrace stratigraphical units of the foreland. Also along the former river course of the Danube as well as in autochthonous tributaries like the valley of the Paar corresponding levels of gravel-bearing terraces are verified (Schellmann 1990; Doppler et al. 2002). The Fagotienschotter (named after the gastropod Fagotia acicularis) west of Moosburg between the valleys of Isar and Amper was deposited during a warm period as demonstrated by the included molluscs. The gravel deposits are situated on the level of the Hochterrasse of the Isar but biostratigraphically they should be older than the Northern German Elsterian according to Kovanda (2006). They may represent a warm phase during the deposition of the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter or an interglacial gravel deposit of the Gnz/Mindel which so far was not regarded in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland. Termination and lithology. Compared to older deposits the base of the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter on the Iller-Lech alluvial plain generally is more clearly incised. The base of the Hhere ltere Deckenschotter on the northern Iller-Lech alluvial plain is still located about 10 m higher. The base of the Jngere Deckenschotter is situated considerably about 20 m lower in the area of Ulm. In contrast to the Hherer lterer Deckenschotter the Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter is not underlain by channel fills rich in crystalline Molasse pebbles. Generally, the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter are characterised by a composition dominated by carbonate pebbles. Crystalline pebbles are hardly to find. In contrast to this in the area of the Zwischenterrassenschotter in the northern Ri-Lech alluvial plain the deposits are typified by relic pebbles and the absence of carbonate material. It is not finally assured if this results form reworking of older weathered gravels (Lscher 1976) or in-situ weathering (Doppler 2003b). The periglacial gravel deposits of the Paar valley (Doppler et al. 2002), but also the glacio-fluvial gravel deposits of the Eschelberg west of Burghausen (Grimm et al. 1979) show completely aberrant spectra dominated by Quartz which is a result of reworking Molasse gravel. Like all of the Deckenschotter the Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter show calcitic conglomerations throughout the whole accumulations and not only near the valley rims. At some places the conglomerates (Nagelfluh) are interspersed with partly very broad and deep weathering structures similar to the narrower geologic pipes of the Jngere Deckenschotter (Geologische Orgeln; e. g. Klettergarten Baierbrunn). Classification and correlations. So far the Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter is not dated by numeric or biostratigraphical methods. So, only the relative stratigraphical position can be determined based

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on the terrace sequences and covering strata (e. g. Bibus 1995). A magnetostratigraphical analysis of fine-grained sediments in related moraine deposits (Bibus et al. 1996) or in loess loam strata was tried (Strattner & Rolf 1995; Doppler & Jerz 1995). The results are ambiguous. Reversed polarity is yielded for the moraine deposits and a normal polarity for loess strata of assumed similar age. Thus, these results are not sufficient to support extensive correlations to sequences outside the distributional area. 3.2.5 Jngerer deckenschotter (younger Cover Gravel) First description and current application. In the fundamental chapters and profiles of Penck & Brckner (19011909: 31, 48) the term Jngerer Deckenschotter or Unterer Deckenschotter is applied for the Grnenbacher Feld near Memmingen. However Deckenschotter are sub-divided already by Penck (1899). Additionally Penck & Brckner (19011909: 110) refer to equivalent terrace deposits along the Mindel valley and at the Rothwaldfeld northwest of Schongau. So far in Bavaria the term Jngerer Deckenschotter is used to indicate gravel deposits of the Mindel glacial. Compared to Penck & Brckner (19011909) only minor changes have been made by discerning accumulations of Jngere Deckenschotter with different age. An older gravel accumulation assigned as Haslachschotter in the Upper Swabian Rot valley is separated from a younger (Tannheimer Schotter = Mindel sensu stricto). The Haslachschotter is eponymous to the Haslach glaciation (Schreiner & Ebel 1981; see 3.1.5). Type regions and occurrences. The type region for the Jngere Deckenschotter preferably has to be located in the Iller-Lech alluvial plain. Penck & Brckner (19011909: 28, 31, Fig. 3, 4) describe the Grnenbacher Feld as a typical occurrence of the Jngere Deckenschotter. An interglacial subdivision of this accumulation was recently suggested by Becker-Haumann (2005: 229) but is not widely accepted. Other references concern the valley of the river Mindel (Kirchheim-Burgauer Schotter) where glacial runoff is documented from the Altmorne (older moraines) of the Holzheuer Hhe north of Obergnzburg down to the Danube (Penck & Brckner 19011909: 54, 110). The area of Upper Swabia will be of special importance for definition because of the clear subdivision of the Jngere Deckenschotter into two terrace deposits, the Haslachschotter and the Tannheimer Schotter. The two accumulations are separated by the soil remnants of a warm phase. On the other hand at the Klettergarten Baierbrunn (climbing park) the Jngere Deckenschotter is embedded between gravel deposits of Gnz and Ri age in a normal stratigraphical succession separated by relics of interglacial soils. However, a decision on formal type localities is not yet made. Jngerer Deckenschotter also frequently occurs in the Alpine Foreland apart from the areas already mentioned. A part of the Hochterrasse in the Gnz valley must be reckoned to the Jngere Deckenschotter based on the higher position of the gravel base and the habitus of the covering strata (unpubl. borehole data; Doppler 1985; Rgner

et al. 1988; Bibus 1995). Further occurrences are found in the Rothwaldfeld northwest of Schongau between Wertach and Lech, in the northern Inn glacier foreland, and in the Dungau along the Danube southeast of Regensburg. Conglomerates crossing over in tills of assumed Mindel age are known from most of the glacier lobes of Southern Bavaria and often are attributed to the Jngere Deckenschotter. Corresponding occurrences of gravel deposits of the ice-advance (Vorstoschotter) are widespread for instance at the Bavarian western flank of the Salzach glacier. Morphologically many of the Jngere Deckenschotter can be coupled with parts of the Altmorne (older moraines) forming a Gaziale Serie. Termination and lithology. Outside the moraine area the base of the Jngerer Deckenschotter is situated at about 10 m below the base of the Tieferer lterer Deckenschotter and more than 10 m above the base of the Ri-aged Hochterrasse. Lithologically the Mindel-aged Jngerer Deckenschotter generally is typified by a huge amount of carbonate pebbles of Alpine origin. However, it shows already an increasing content of crystalline components in the Rhine and Inn glacier area derived from their catchment area within the Central Alps. In contrast the Salzach glacier and the Isar-Loisach glacier, connected by transfluent pathways with the Central Alps too, show a significant increase of crystalline components at first during the Ri glacial. The Jngerer Deckenschotter is mostly conglomerated and shows intensive weathering structures at its surface. In some places Geologische Orgeln (geologic pipes) could be found penetrating up to 10m into the gravel deposits. These features often form spectacular narrow funnels (e. g. former quarry of Oberschroffen southeast of Alttting; see www. lfu.bayern.de/geologie/fachinformationen/geotope_schoensten/oberbayern/82). Partly these pipes are decapitated by erosion and contain either the original filling of weathered loamy gravel or the former residue has already flown out and the pipes are completely empty. Classification and correlations. According to the terrace stratigraphy the Jngere Deckenschotter have a relative position between the higher elevated Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter the lower situated Hochterrasse. Jngerer Deckenschotter can be distinguished from Hochterrasse sometimes by a lower content of crystalline pebbles, a higher degree of conglomeration, a more intensive weathering or the development of at least one more palaeosol in the covering strata. So far no fossils suitable for a biostratigraphical interpretation have been found. The few available magneto-stratigraphical data are inconsistent. Reversed polarity in the Rhine-glacier area near Heiligenberg close to Pfullendorf (pers. commun. D. Ellwanger) contradicts the normal polarity in the Salzachglacier area near Trostberg (Strattner & Rolf 1995; Doppler & Jerz 1995). Numeric datings were attempted by using cosmogenic nuclides or luminescence. A first burial-age for the Jngerer Deckenschotter of Bad Grnenbach by Huselmann et al. (2007: 41) is given with 0.68 +0.23/-0.24 Ma. But as an output of a single measurement using a very new method this
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age seems not yet reliable. New IRSL-datings by Klasen (2008) are still inconsistent and will be currently reviewed. 3.2.6 Hochterrasse (Higher terrace) First description. In the valleys of the Alpine Foreland already Penck (1882: 254, 290) differentiated between a lastglacial unterer Glazialschotter (lower glacial gravel deposit) without a loess cover and a higher elevated oberer Glazialschotter (upper glacial gravel deposit) that generally is covered by loess. Penck (1882) used the term Hochterrasse for the latter of both terrace levels and assigned its deposits later to the Glaziale Serie of the Ri (Penck & Brckner 19011909: 110). However, Penck supposed a nonexisting linkage between an older moraine stage (Doppelwall = double ridge) and a younger terrace (Untere Hochterrasse or 13 m-terrace). Penck & Brckner (19011909) knew about different levels of Hochterrasse plains near Memmingen and in the Ri valley but did not apply a more detailed subdivision of these terraces. Current application. Recently a probably threefold subdivision of the Ri separated by warm phases is assumed (MIS 10 to MIS 6; see 3.1.7). As a consequence variations of the covering strata and the degree of weathering on the different terrace levels led to a partly re-evaluation of diverse stages of the Hochterrasse and their gravel deposits (Bibus & Ksel 1987, Miara 1996). In several valleys a lower (younger) and an upper (older) Hochterrasse can be distinguished morphologically. In the Danube valley near Straubing three Hochterrasse levels are described by Schellmann et al. (2010: 121). An even more extensive classification is carried out by Bibus & Strahl (2000) in the valley of the Danube near Hchstdt. They assign an Oberste (topmost) Hochterrasse to the fifth last cold period. By the means of the stratigraphic classification applied in this paper this would be Mindel and hence this highly elevated accumulation will be regarded as Jngerer Deckenschotter. The gravel deposits of the less elevated Obere Hochterrasse locally are separated in two superimposed accumulations. This subdivision was found near Hchstdt too (Leger 1988; Bibus & Strahl 2000) and also in the Lech valley (Tillmanns et al. 1982; Aktas & Frechen 1991; BeckerHaumann & Frechen 1997). The two gravel accumulations in some places are separated by clods of marl at the base of the upper accumulation for once also a single pelitic layer in the intersection of both accumulations. These marls partly provide molluscs indicative for an interglacial interruption of the gravel deposition. At the valley of the Danube between Regensburg and Straubing the Obere Hochterrasse but perhaps even the Jngerer Deckenschotter are underlain partly by gravel-bearing channel fills. At Regensburg-Harting this accumulation is covered by an interglacial peat (see 3.1.6; Hartinger Schichten after Schellmann 1990). Type regions and occurrences. Extensive investigations on gravel deposits, weathering and covering strata of the Hochterrasse (Miara 1996,
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Bibus & Ksel 1997) and the linkage to the type region of the Ri argue to assign the gravel pits in the valley of the Ri near Baltringen in Wrttemberg as type locality for Obere and Untere Hochterrasse. The subdivision of the gravel deposits of the Obere Hochterrasse in two separated accumulations is well-described from the gravel pit north of Mnster on the Rainer Hochterrasse (Tillmanns et al. 1982). In a quarry west of Hchstdt on the Dillinger Hochterrasse reworked clods of marl but also in-situ sand and silt lenses could be observed. They at least in part include warm-temperate molluscs (Leger 1988: 329; Fig. 71; Bibus & Strahl 2000). And even one of the currently accessible gravel pits near Bobingen may serve as type section after further investigations. Hochterrassen are widespread also in the remaining Bavarian Alpine Foreland along the river valleys but also in already abandoned valleys. The following occurrences should be noted because of their differentiation or recent investigation: (i) Hochterrassen in the further stream course of the Danube between Neuburg and the Weltenburger Enge (Weltenburg gap; Fiebig & Preusser 2003) and between Regensburg and Vilshofen (Kroemer 2007; Schellmann 2010) which are separated into different levels. However, the classification of the lowest loess-covered terrace as bergangsterrasse (Transitional terrace) of Early Wrm age has to be taken into account here. (ii) The different levels of the Hochterrasse in the Salzach-glacier area (Grimm et al. 1979; Doppler 2003b) with a significant lower Hochterrasse. The special characteristics of the Mnchner Schotterebene providing a normal stratigraphic gravel succession may be attributed to a neotectonic subsidence southwest of the Landshut-Neuttinger Abbruch (Landshut-Neutting fault). However, a similar superposition by younger gravel deposits near the front of the connected moraines occurs in other places too, for instance in the Salzach-glacier area (see below). The usual terrace flight successions occur not until the so-called terrace-crossings downstream. The Fagotienschotter west of Moosburg situated between the valleys of Isar and Amper was assigned morphologically to the Hochterrasse. But due to its mollusc content it seems to be significantly older (Kovanda 2006; see 3.2.4). Termination and lithology. The superposition of gravels of the Hochterrasse by those of the Niederterrasse or of the Jngerer Deckenschotter by gravels of the Hochterrasse and the separation of the accumulations by remnants of fossil soils are very common in the Mnchner Schotterebene (fluvial plain of Munich). Similar conditions frequently occur in the area of the former Salzach glacier, for instance at the eastern riverside of the Salzach at Burghausen (Starnberger et al. 2008), south of Palling (Ebers et al. 1966) or near Haselreit/ Kienberg. At all of these sites Ri-aged Hochterrasse gravels are overlain by Wrm-aged Niederterrasse gravels and separated by palaeosol relics. On the other hand downstream the Alz near the village Mankham/Tacherting geological pipes in the Jngerer Deckenschotter are cut by Hochterrasse deposits (Ebers et al. 1966; Doppler 2003b).

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Apart from these conditions the base of the gravel deposits of the Hochterrasse may be situated up to 10 m lower in comparison to the Jngere Deckenschotter. Even downstream in the valley of the Danube the terrace surfaces are situated at least a few meters higher than the Niederterrasse or bergangsterrasse. However, as a result of extreme downcutting locally the base of the gravel deposits of the Hochterrasse may occur below the base of younger accumulations. The gravel deposits of the Hochterrasse derived from melt water pathways connected with central Alpine glaciers (Rhine, Isar-Loisach, Inn-Chiemsee and Salzach glacier) often show a significantly higher amount of crystalline pebbles compared to the Jngerer Deckenschotter. A similar significant difference to the pebble content of the Niederterrasse does not exist. Conglomeration is discontinuous but wide-spread and may be very intensive and enduring in marginal valley outcrops. In contrast to the Jngerer Deckschotter the Hochterrasse deposits mostly show weathering cones smaller than 2m instead of geological pipes. However, significantly deeper weathering pipes were recently described from the Hawanger Feld southwest of Memmingen (Lempe 2008). Classification and correlations. Except of the cases of superposition the gravel deposits of the Hochterrasse according to the terrace stratigraphy are situated between the higher positioned Jngere Deckenschotter and the lower positioned Niederterrasse (resp. bergangsterrasse). Differences in the extent of soil development and the amount of palaeosols in the covering strata are used by Bibus (1995), Miara (1996), and Bibus & Strahl (2000) to differentiate at least three accumulations of the Hochterrasse. There is a lack of finding places and even of appropriate fossil taxa for an accurate biostratigraphical classification. An exception may be the observed clods of marl and rarely occurring lenses of marl at the base of the younger accumulation of the upper Hochterrasse. These marls contain partly interglacial and partly cold-phase molluscs (Leger 1988: 329; Tillmanns et al. 1992; Rhle 1994). However, the material is mostly reworked and displaced and therefore provides only a limiting age for the embedding gravel deposits. Rhle (1994) assigns the interglacial fauna found in the clods of marl at Bobingen south of Augsburg and at Mnster south of Rain older than Eemian. Luminescence methods are available for numeric datings. Sand layers intercalating with gravels which were classified as Hochterrasse so far and covering strata were sampled. Fiebig & Preusser (2003) and Klasen (2008) yielded minimum ages of about 280 ka up to 60 ka. Thus parts of the accumulations of the Rainer, the Neuburger and the Ingolstdter Hochterrasse seem to reach to the Early Wrm and therefore would have to be considered as bergangsterrassen. But the results of different luminescence methods are not always consistent (Klasen 2008). As a consequence the Early Wrm luminescence ages could not yet be evaluated generally for the classification of the lower stage of the Hochterrasse as bergangsterrasse (Transitional terrace).

3.2.7 bergangsterrasse (transitional terrace) First description. The term bergangsterrasse leads back to Schellmann (1990) and was introduced for a loess-covered terrace with a level between the typical Hochterrasse and Niederterrasse in the valleys of the lower Isar and the adjacent Danube. It is not yet proved how far the loess-covered Niederterrasse (Brunnacker 1953a) and the Tiefere or Jngere Hochterrasse (Miara 1996; Doppler 2003b) have to be considered as bergangsterrasse. Current application. The term bergangsterrasse is currently used by the Geological Survey of Bavaria for terraces which are assigned to the Early Wrm (Frhwrm) due to their terrace morphological position, their weathering status, the development of their covering strata, as well as recent luminescence datings. Schellmann (2010: 11) divides the bergangsterrasse in two parts. However, definition and application of this comparatively new terrace stratigraphical unit has to be elaborated in the future. Type regions and occurrences. The area of the confluence of the rivers Isar and Danube and the Danube valley between Straubing and Osterhofen may serve as type area for the bergangsterrasse, the gravel pit west of the Natternberg between Stauffendorf and Fehmbach as type locality (Kroemer et al. 2007). In this region the first description was carried out and dating results are already available (Schellmann 1990, 2010). Furthermore, similar occurrences are outcropping upstream the Danube valley between Ingolstadt and Neuburg and maybe in the Hochterrasse of Rain (Fiebig & Preusser 2003) if dating results will be confirmed. Termination and lithology. The gravel deposits of the bergangsterrasse may be distinguished from older gravel deposits of the Hochterrasse and younger deposits of the Niederterrasse by their morphological position, the missing weathering of the Ri/ Wrm interglacial and by their reduced, only pleni- to late-glacial loess cover. The upper sections of the gravel deposits locally show a minor internal deformation (cryoturbation?) and reworked, transported, weathered pelitic material. The base of the covering pleniglacial loess is typified by laminae of sand (sand-stripes). Locally, the covering loess may be altered completely by the Late Glacial to Holocene soil formation that continues into the underlying gravel deposit. The known thickness of the gravel deposits of the bergangsterrasse varies between 5 and 10m. The bergangsterrassen are unconformably underlain by the Molasse and/or older Pleistocene deposits (mostly gravel of Riage). The upper boundary to the covering strata (wash-out deposits or loess) is considered as hiatus too. Classification and correlations. The relative stratigraphical position of the bergangsterrasse is between the lowest Hochterrasse and the highest Niederterrasse. However, the actual position of the surface
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is located closer to the Niederterrasse. The assignment to the Frhwrm (Early Wrm = Lower and Middle Wrm) is based on the absence of a Ri/Wrm soil formation as well as of covering strata of Early Wrm age. First numeric OSL-datings of different occurrences which so far were assigned to the Hochterrasse resulted in ages between 90 and 25 ka. A sand sheet in the gravels at the suggested type locality near Stauffendorf yielded ages of 3630 and 2319 ka at the base of the superimposed loess (Kroemer 2010). According to the OSL-datings of 7090 ka by Fiebig & Preusser (2003) for the Neuburger and parts of the Rainer Hochterrasse as well as the Ingolstdter Hochterrasse (accumulated by the Schutter-Danube) a future classification as bergangsterrasse seems likely. The change of the stream course of the Altmhl-Danube firstly to the Schutter valley and following into the current Danube valley has to be rearranged from the end of the Ri glacial into the Early Wrm in this case. 3.2.8 niederterrasse (Lower terrace) First description. The term Niederterrasse originates from Penck (1884: 39) and was formalised by Penck & Brckner (19011909: 28, 48). But already Penck (1882) discerned these terrace level (see 3.2.6). The term Niederterrasse was first used to denominate the terrace gravel of the Memminger Trockental (dry valley) deriving from the Jungendmorne (younger terminal moraine). Current application. The current use of the term Niederterrasse has changed in part. Gravel beds formed by melt water of the Late Wrm are separated as Sptglazialterrasse (Late Glacial Terrace), so that the term Niederterrasse is limited to accumulations of the Wrm Pleniglacial now. However, some authors (Schellmann 1990, Feldmann 1990) continue to use Niederterrasse for all of the pleniglacial and late-glacial gravel deposits . In the area proximal to the moraines a differentiation of the Niederterrasse (sensu stricto) into several sub-units attributed to single moraine stands is possible: (i) Niederterrasse 0 (advanced younger terminal moraine = super-maximal stand) (ii) Niederterrasse 1 resp. Hauptniederterrasse (external younger terminal moraine correlating with the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) (iii) Niederterrasse 2 (intermediate stand of the middle younger terminal moraine) (iv) Niederterrasse 3 (internal younger terminal moraine) Type regions and occurrences. As an original type location the Memminger Trockental (Penck & Brckner 19011909) has to be mentioned. But a transfer to the Isar or Inn glacier foreland appears reasonable. Here a complete differentiation into sub-units associated with terminal moraine ridge systems is given and first datings are available (Feldmann 1994, 1998; Megies 2006). Comparable gravel beds of the Niederterrasse exist along all the rivers of the Alpine Foreland which drained melt water during the pleniglacial Wrm. Apart from the
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rivers Isar and Inn, the valley of the Lech contains an exceptionally well developed terrace sequence that has been investigated in detail (Schreiber 1985, currently mapped by Schellmann and students). Termination and lithology. The definition of the Niederterrasse by the connection to pleniglacial moraine stages would actually require the discrimination of earlier underlying gravel deposits of the advancing glacier. However, the possibility of tracing the corresponding boundary along the melt water deposits into the glacier foreland is very limited (see Schreiber 1985; Dreesbach 1986). So the gravel beds of the advancing phase are just separated as long as a till cover of the same depositional cycle is obvious. Downstream from the outermost moraine stand these early melt water deposits are usually integrated to the Niederterrasse. Regarding this kind of sequence the lower boundary of the corresponding gravels is mostly developed as a clear hiatus to the underlying Molasse sediments. But particularly in the proximate glacier foreland a normal stratigraphical overlap on older Pleistocene sediments may also be observed (see 3.2.6). The thickness of the deposits of the Niederterrasse averages between a few and several tens of meters. In the areas of ice-proximal sandur plains accumulations may exceed 50m or more. However a share in these thick accumulations by gravels of the ice-advance or even older deposits cannot always be excluded. Due to the position at the surface the uppermost part of nearly all of the Niederterrassen is affected by soil formation. However, locally the Niederterrassen are overlain by younger sediments like aeolian drift sand, in rare cases also loess (c. f. bergangsterrasse), alluvial fans, colluvial soils, and swamp and bog-lime deposits (Wiesenkalk, Alm). The Niederterrasse in former melt water valleys primarily consists of gravel deposits always containing variable amounts of carbonate pebbles. In contrast gravel accumulations corresponding to periglacial, autochthonous tributaries coeval with Niederterrasse contain material from the local catchment areas. They are generally free of carbonate material. Typically the melt water deposits consist of gravel with a variable sand content. In a proximal position to the moraines higher percentages of boulders and silt may be observed but this material quickly decreases downstream. The gravel was deposited by braided rivers and shows vertical bar aggradation (Vertikalschotter sensu Schirmer 1983). Occasionally the gravel is covered by thin blankets (< 1 m) of fine-grained fluvial deposits. Near the valley rims some fine-grained sediment may occur as reworked material from nearby slopes. Depending on the crystalline content brown earth (cambisol, Braunerde) or argilic brown earth (luvisol, lessiv, Parabraunerde) are developed on top of the Niederterrasse. They may range from a few decimetres thickness up to 1m. The soil formation penetrates the fresh gravel deposit just rudimentally with very short fingerlike cones. At dry places the soils also may be red-coloured while at high water tables hydromorphic soils are formed, especially half-bog deposits (so-called Pechanmoor after Brunnacker 1959; Kroemer 2010). Where ground water

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occurs as planar outlet peat and bog-lime have formed (e. g. Erdinger and Dachauer Moos). Classification and correlations. The identification of the Niederterrasse in the sense of a Glaziale Serie is based on the geomorphological connection to terminal moraine stages of the Wrm pleniglacial and on the relative terrace stratigraphical position between the loess-covered Hochterrasse (or bergangsterrasse) and the terraces of the Late Glacial. Numeric ages between 25 and 17 ka BP for the deposits of the Niederterrasse were determined using radiocarbon datings on mammoth tooth (Geyh & Schreiner 1984) as well as OSL-datings (Fiebig & Preusser 2003, Megies 2006). Maximum and minimum ages may be deduced from underlying and overlying sediments. For example the loess-covered Niederterrasse on the eastern bank of the river Salzach (Austria) opposite of Burghausen (Traub & Jerz 1976; Starnberger et al. 2008) yielded radiocarbon and OSL ages for underlying loess strata of 21.70.25 ka BP (25.9225.04 ka cal. BP) respectively 19.921.5 ka. 3.2.9 sptglazialterrasse (Late Glacial terrace) First description and current application. Terms like sptglaziale Terrasse (terrace of the late glacial) or sptglazialer Schotter (gravel of the late glacial) are used yet in former publications (e. g. Koehne & Niklas 1916). But it is not clear who at what time formed the term Sptglazialterrasse. It was used in diploma theses of the 1970s at the Munich University (summarised by Grimm et al. 1979) and finally documented in Jerz (1993). For the Geological Map of Bavaria the term Sptglazialterrasse is applied for melt water and gravel deposits of the Sptwrm (late Upper Wrm) which is the period after the ice retreat from the internal terminal moraine (see 3.1.9). Other authors (Schellmann 1990, Feldmann 1990) call the corresponding terraces and their deposits still Niederterrasse. Two different levels may be frequently distinguished: Sptglazialterrasse 1 and 2 (respectively NT2 and NT3 after Schellmann 1990). Type regions and occurrences. The Danube valley near Straubing where a widespread bisection of the Sptglazialterrasse is confirmed by current datings (Schellmann 2010) may serve as a type region for the Sptglazialterrasse. Deposits of the Sptglazialterrasse also occur along further river courses of the Alpine Foreland like the valleys of the Inn downstream of Kiefersfelden (Megies 2006), the Lech (Schreiber 1985), the Isar between Freising and Deggendorf (Feldmann 1990, Schellmann 1990), and the Danube between Dillingen and Donauwrth (e. g. Kleinschnitz & Kroemer 2003) or from Regensburg to Pleinting (Schellmann 1990; Buch 1988). Termination and lithology. Where river courses changed after the Wrm Pleniglacial the base of the deposits of the Sptglazialterrasse may be incised into Molasse sediments or accumulations older than Wrm forming a significant hiatus. But in most cases Late Glacial deposits follow directly on top of the grav-

els of the Niederterrasse sometimes just identifiable by a basal concentration of coarse boulders. Inside the tongue basins of the glaciers and the Alpine valleys the gravels of the Sptglazialterrasse are underlain also by glacial till or glacio-lacustrine sediment. The gravels of the Sptglazialterrasse do not differ significantly from the gravels of the Niederterrasse of corresponding catchments. They mostly show also vertical bar aggradation (Vertikalschotter sensu Schirmer 1983). But locally first tendencies to meandering features are visible, for example at the mouth of the Isar (Kroemer et al. 2007). Usually the thickness of the gravels varies between a few and several meters while a maximum of more than 10m is occasionally reached. Extreme thickness of overbank sediments is observed in the Danube valley, upstream of the confluence with the Isar (Kroemer et al. 2007, Kroemer 2010). On top of the Late Glacial gravel up to 3m thick silty flood deposits occur which are locally underlain by up to 3m thick deposits of fine sand. Typical soils on the top of the Sptglazialterrasse are brown earths or argilic brown earths (Parabraunerde). But the degree of development is reduced compared to the Niederterrasse (generally < 0.6 m). The widespread occurrence of half-bog (so-called Pechanmoor) argues for at least temporary high water tables in many areas even after shifting of river courses and lowering of the river beds during the Holocene. Separated by minor discontinuities the terrace deposits in part are covered by younger sediments like accumulations of alluvial fans, colluvial, and flood deposits. In contrast to the younger terrace the higher (older) level of the Sptglazialterrasse (resp. NT2) may be covered by Flugsand (drift sand). The lower (younger) level of the Sptglazialterrasse was still in fluvial formation during the deposition of the drift sand in the final permafrost period of the Younger Dryas. Classification and correlations. Geomorphologically and due to their weathering status the Sptglazialterrasse has to be classified between the youngest Niederterrasse and oldest Postglazialterrasse. A direct connection to late glacial terminal moraine ridges (from Stephanskirchener- or Weilheimer Stand to Egesen moraines, see Tab. 5) is rarely possible. The Late-glacial terrace formation is attributed rather to fluvial transformations than to sediment pulses caused by glacier activities. River-dynamic reactions are triggered by climate changes and the deglaciation of the glacier basins. The Late Wrm and in consequence the Sptglazialterrassen are defined after Chaline & Jerz (1984). A complete correlation to the Late Wrm according to palynological analyses (Firbas 1949, 1952) is not expected (see 3.1.9). Numeric radiocarbon datings in the area near Straubing (Schellmann 2010: 28) assign the deposits of the Sptglazialterrasse 1 to the lteste Dryas (oldest Dryas) between 17 and 18 ka BP and some time before 14 ka BP. The time of the deposition of the Sptglazialterrasse 2 spans between 14.0 and approximately 10.2 ka BP (Schellmann 2010: 35) and thus has continued until the end of the Younger Dryas.

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3.2.10 Postglazialterrasse (Post Glacial terrace) First description and current application. The first use of the term Postglazialterrasse is in the dark like it was already told for the Sptglazialterrasse. The term is used by Jerz & Schmidt-Kaler (1999) and is almost synchronously introduced into the General Legend of the GK25 of Bavaria. According to the attribution to Lower, Middle or Younger Holocene (Alt-, Mittel- and Jungholozn) there is a differentiation in ltere (Older), Mittlere (Middle) and Jngere Postglazialterrasse (Younger Postglacial Terrace). However, just the areas influenced by flooding events of the Late Holocene and their corresponding deposits can be separated clearly. Therefore in many cases it is necessary to merge the ltere and the Mittlere Postglazialterrasse and distinguish this combination from the Jngere Postglazialterrasse, the Late Holocene floodplain stages including corresponding fine-grained fluvial deposits. Some authors just take a consecutive numbering to label the different Holocene terraces. So the terraces of the Isar and the Danube are subdivided as Holoznterrasse 1 to 7 (H1-H7) by Schellmann (1990) and Feldmann (1990). Type regions and occurrences. Well developed and detailed investigated successions of the Postglazialterrasse are available at different river courses of the Alpine Foreland. Due to the comprehensive classification, partly based on numeric datings, the Isar valley is suggested as type region (Feldmann 1990, Schellmann 1990). A comparable differentiation of the Postglazialterrasse was recently dated by Megies (2006) at the lower river course of the Inn. Further detailed investigations were achieved lastly by Schreiber (1985) at the Lech, by Schellmann (1990), Buch (1988), Jerz & Schmidt-Kaler (1995, 1999), Kleinschnitz & Kroemer (2003) and by Kroemer et al. (2008) at different segments of the Danube. Knowledge is steadily increasing in the context of current geological mapping. Termination and lithology. Like the deposits of the Sptglazialterrasse the gravels of the Postglazialterrasse often are not incised to sediments of the Molasse. In many cases gravel deposits of the Niederterrasse serve as substratum. The Holocene gravel beds with a clearly reduced thickness can be distinguished not only by a coarsening of the basal grain sizes but additionally by their different texture. Less frequently are typical warm-phase remnants and components of historic origin. Postglazialterrassen predominantly evolved by reworking of older mostly Wrm-aged gravel and thus show only a minor modified composition. The Holocene river accumulations were deposited in large parts by meandering rivers and show often a lateral bar aggradation (Lateralschotter sensu Schirmer 1983). Especially in the lower course of the rivers of the Northern Alpine Foreland or of the Danube hypsometrically less differentiated so-called in-line terraces (Reihenterrassen sensu Schirmer 1983) are formed. The single meander beds are divided into a central part predominantly composed of
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gravel and into the former river bed courses mostly filled with thick fine-grained sediment. Also apart from these meander fills Postglazialterrassen are frequently covered by fine-grained flood plain deposits of variable thickness. Due to generally high carbonate contents in the Northern Alpine Foreland they are often referred as Fluss- or Auenmergel (fluvial or floodplain marls). But for example on the gravels of the river Inn, which are very rich in crystalline components, the carbonate content of flood deposits is comparatively low. Overall the thickness of the Holocene river deposits (channel fill gravels and floodplain deposits) ranges from a few to several metres and rarely exceeds 10m. According to their relatively young age the deposits of the Postglazialterrasse are covered only by accumulations like colluvium, bog lime or peat in exceptional cases. The surfaces of the terraces generally show minor soil formation. Even the older ones do not reach a stadium more developed than rendzina or pararendzina, the younger Holocene floodplain deposits not more than virgin soils. At high water tables also peat occurs (Pechanmoor). Classification and correlations. The immature soils characterise the deposits of the Postglazialterrasse as accumulations of the youngest section of earth history. Geomorphologically they occur directly below the youngest Wrm-aged terrace (Sptglazialterrasse) and reach down to the present river courses. The classification is carried out by using different methods. Minimum ages for the gravel accumulations result from palynological investigations preferably on covering organic strata, from artefacts, and other archaeological indications. Dateable human products like brick or pottery remains found within the gravels however provide maximum ages for the Jngere Postglazialterrasse (Younger Postglacial Terrace). Numeric ages reaching from 11.5 ka cal. BP up to the present were determined on organic remains like wood or peat by using the radiocarbon method. Wood remains found in rivers of the Northern Alpine Foreland with sufficient amount of tree-ring structures can be analysed by the dendrochronological method which allows a chronology in a one-year-resolution for the whole Holocene (Kromer & Becker 1993). OSL-datings on sand grains of the Holocene gravel deposits were successfully performed too. 3.2.10.1 Jngere Postglazialterrasse (younger Post Glacial terrace) Due to their special characteristics some supplementary descriptions for the deposits of the Jngere Postglazialterrasse are given. The Jngere Postglazialterrasse is situated in the area of river-flood events during late prehistoric and historic times. Predominantly these terraces developed before the realisation of regulating activities which started for the large part during the 19th century. Jngere Postglazialterrassen are generally characterised by Auenablagerungen (fine-grained flood plain deposits). Their deposition was probably triggered by widespread forest clearing for agriculture and started already during the Bronze Age at the end of the Subboreal period. At the lower cours-

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Tab. 5: Moraine stratigraphical terms used in Southern Bavaria ? = stratigraphical position maybe older.

Tab. 5: Mornenstratigraphische Begriffe des deutschsprachigen Alpenraums. (resp. other moraine ridges) Lech-Wertach glacier inn glacier grottenthaLer (2009) rgner (1979) sChneider (1995) hirtLreiter (1992) feLdMann (1998) 1850 unknown ?Brunntal Brnnl Hllentalanger ?reintalanger unknown Quellen Egesen unknown Jerz (1987) grottenthaLer (1980) isar-Loisach and local glaciers Ammersee lobe Wrmsee/Wolfratsh. l. salzach glacier eBers et al. (1966) griMM et al. (1979)

stratigraphical section iller glacier eLLwanger (1980) haBBe (1988) Link & preusser (2005) troLL (1924) MaisCh (1982) griMM et al. (in prep.) 1850

terminal moraine stand

General denominations

rhine glacier

sChreiner (1997) keLLer & krayss (2005)

subatlantic

stand of 1850

atlantic+subboreal

unknown

preboreal+Boreal

unknown

Younger Dryas

Egesen

allerd unknown Daun Clavadel/senders Gschnitz/steinach Bhl (just localphenomenon)

Older Dryas

unknown

Blling

Daun

Oldest Dryas

Gschnitz

andeer

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Middle late Wrm

unnamed

Weibad-Koblach

Early late Wrm Dietmannsried Bernbeuren

unnamed

Konstanz

Hinterklamm Mitterklamm Bodenlaine leutasch Kanker/partnachklamm loisachtal /Eschenlohe uffing schwaiganger polling Weilheim tankenrain schnrain-Eurach phl (ammerseest.) Wessobrunn Hofstetten/ st. Ottilien prsch-Wald reichling/ schffelding stoffen/steinlach Mnsing/icking leutstetten/ Ebenhausen Karlsburg/schftlarn neufahrn

stephanskirchen

laufen

innere Jungendmorne Haslach tannenberg

stein am rhein

lkofen Ebersberg

lanzing radegund

Wrm pleniglacial schwenden Ziegelberg niederholz unknown s Kempten? unknown

Mittlere Jungendmorne altenstadt sachsenried s Kinsau unknown unknown unknown

Dieenhofen

luiblings Vockenthal Ksers Eichholz Hrensberg

uere Jungendmorne

schaffhausen

Kirchseeon

Haag altdorf rechtmehring aying/pframmern unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown

nunreut

saulgau

Middle Wrm

Vorgeschob. JEM (supermaximalst.) unnamed

?untersee

unterweienkirchen unknown unknown

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lower Wrm

unnamed

es of the rivers of the Alpine Foreland or at the Danube valley the terrace levels show only sparse hypsometric differentiation. So Late Holocene flood plain deposits reach far beyond the terraces of the Younger Holocene onto older terrace surfaces. Concerning the Jngere Postglazialterrasse three generations are basically distinguished partly with further subdivisions (Jerz & Schmidt-Kaler 1999; Kleinschnitz & Kroemer 2003; Schellmann 2010). Their formation in most cases can be determined as Bronze to Roman period, mediaeval, and modern times. Numeric datings by using the radiocarbon method or dendrochronology yielded ages between 3 ka BP until present. Beside the above mentioned methods also relics of human occupation or reworked artificial matter like ceramics can be applied for the classification. Historical maps like the primal cadastral mapping of the Bavarian Land Surveying Office serve as documents for the unregulated status of the rivers. 3.3 moraine stratigraphy for southern bavaria A continuous independent moraine stratigraphy is currently not available for Bavaria. On the Geological Map of Bavaria moraine deposits are distinguished by a combination of climate stratigraphical and petrogenetical terms. In addition specific moraine terminologies are used for the stratigraphical differentiation of moraines: (i) a rough subdivision into Altmorne and Jungmorne (older and younger moraines) predominantly according to their morphological appearance, (ii) a detailed supraregional applicable classification by discrimination of standardised terminal moraine stages during the Wrm and less differentiated during the Ri, (iii) different classifications just related to one single glacier lobe using local names of terminal moraine ridge systems from Ri to Holocene. All these classifications are largely limited to morphological landforms. A differentiation of distinct till generations deposited in superposition by different glacier advances of one cold stage is only exceptionally possible. It may be assumed just locally in single outcrops or in drillholes, so in the Rhine-glacier area of Baden-Wuerttemberg (e. g. Schreiner 1996) or in the Bavarian Salzach-glacier area (Grimm et al. 1979: 111). In rare cases a fossil soil is passed on between superimposed moraine deposits supporting an interglacial hiatus. 3.3.1 Geomorphological moraine classification A rough geomorphological classification of the moraine topography which enables an elementary stratigraphical relation follows the suggestion of Penck & Brckner (19011909: 125). They distinguish Jungmorne (younger moraine) characterised by a pronounced relief showing directly its glacigenous origin from Altmorne (older moraine) with more flattened and well smoothed forms. Enclosed hollow moulds (above all dead ice kettles) characteristic for the moraine topography of the last glacial epoch are rarely found in the area of the Altmorne

unnamed (e. g. Margarethenberger rcken)

siedelberg (O.)

unknown (just terrace) Kirchweihdach tyrlaching schmidstadt racherting

unknown unknown unknown unknown unsecured unknown unknown unsecured Donau

unnamed (Glatzberg)

unnamed (e. g. st. WolfgangOberornau)

unsecured

unnamed

unknown

unnamed

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unnamed (e. g. parsberg sW puchheim)

unnamed

unknown

unknown

unknown

Oberostendorflengenfeld unterrammingenludwigsberg

unknown

unknown

unknown

Holzheuer Hhe/ BrandholzManneberg

unnamed

unknown

unknown

unknown

(e. g. laupertshsn.)

(rappenbachtobel)

(e. g. amannshardter tal)

ri-Doppelwall

(Heiligenberg)

unsecured

ri-Doppelwall

unsecured

altmorne

altmorne

altmorne

altmorne

(Haslach/Mindel)

Mindel/ri

ri/Wrm

upper ri

lower ri

(Haslach)

Main ri

Mindel

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Biber

Gnz

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

unknown

for instance. This is due to periglacial processes, increasing periglacial loam covers and interglacial weathering. Altmorne of Ri, Mindel and for once even Gnz age generally constitutes an outer belt around the Jungmorne (see Fig. 1). 3.3.2 Classification by terminal moraine stages The classification based on terminal moraine stages (= stand; stadium is regarded to be chronologically) is based on the course of the moraine ridges, of peripheral melt water channels, and supplemented also by relictic dead ice features. Corresponding classifications essentially depend on the particular image of the shape of a glacier lobe, but are rarely supported by datings. For the well-preserved moraine stands of the Wrm pleniglacial, the Late Wrm and the Holocene a superordinate climate control is assumed. This is due to the uniformity of the terminal moraine sequences developed in the different glacier lobes of the Northern Alpine Foreland (e. g. Troll 1924). Thus, from the local classifications a supra-regional standardised classification was derived for the Wrm pleniglacial and rudimentary also for the Ri (Tab. 5). For the older just sparsely preserved deposits of the Altmorne a corresponding subdivision is not feasible. The glaciers of the Late Wrm to Holocene, which retreated into the Alpine valleys are strongly affected by local factors, so that only a less reliable correlation is possible. In his pioneering publication about the Inn-Chiemsee glacier Troll (1924) paid special attention to the recessional moraine stages (Endmornen-Stnde) of the Wrm. His classification into the Kirchseeoner, the Ebersberger, the lkofener and the Stephanskirchener Stadium is still in use. External of the Kirchseeoner-terminal moraine stage remains of an older, more extensive but still Wrm-aged glacier advance exist, called the stage of Aying-Pframmern. Partly those terminal moraine stages are subdivided into single echelons (Staffeln), for example the Haager, Altdorfer and Rechtmehringer Staffel of the Kirchseeoner Stand (Troll 1924) or the recently performed differentiation of an Alt- and a Jung-Ebersberger Stadium by Darga (2009). The exemplarily developed young moraine stages of the Inn glacier are considered as a kind of model-classification for all of Bavaria. Comparable local classifications exist for most of the Bavarian glacierlobes (Tab. 5). A very detailed classification from Wrm to Holocene terminal moraines is presented from the Ammersee and partly the Wrmsee lobe of the Isar-Loisach glacier. Lastly Hirtlreiter (1992), Schneider (1995) and Feldmann (1998) documented a large number of terminal moraine stages which are still visible between the uere Jungendmorne and the present days glacier relics at the Wetterstein mountains (Tab. 5). Moraine classification from Wrm to Holocene. Terminal moraine stages of the early Wrm as they are verified in Switzerland (Preusser 2004) are not documented clearly in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland up to now. However Link & Preusser (2005) specified indirectly a piedmont glaciation approximately 60 ka ago (MIS 4) in

the basin of Kempten at the area of the Iller glacier. The correlation of the terminal moraine stages of the Pleni-, Late- and Post-glacial of the Wrm is predominantly tentative (Habbe 1988: 183, Fig. 4). Concerning the terminal moraine stages of the Wrm pleniglacial the supra-regional classification distinguishes an uere Jungendmorne (external younger terminal moraine; e. g. Kirchseeoner Stand of the Inn-glacier), a Mittlere Jungendmorne (middle; e. g. Ebersberger Stand) and an Innere Jungendmorne (internal; e. g. lkofener Stand). The conceptual discrimination of uere- and Innere Jungendmorne was firstly performed by Schmidt (1911) in the Rhine-glacier area. The uere Jungendmorne marks the external Wrmaged, largely continuous terminal moraine stage which is often shaped as a double-ridge. The Innere Jungendmorne mostly rests on the edge of the tongue basins. The origin of the Innere Jungendmorne by some authors is attributed to a glacier readvance after an oscillation of elusive amplitude. According to Ellwanger et al. (2003) a change of the glacial mechanics from a cold to a warm based glacier took place with this readvance and even the glacier basins should not have been excavated before. The term Mittlere Jungendmorne was introduced into the Bavarian geological legend for the widespread ridge structures and ice-decay landforms between the uere and Innere Jungendmorne. They are mostly displayed as an independent terminal moraine stage, even though terminal moraine ridges are not predominantly. External to the uere Jungendmorne locally further moraine hills of probably Wrm-pleniglacial age occur. They are denominated as vorgeschobene Jungendmorne (advanced younger terminal moraine) respectively Super- or Supramaximalstand (e. g. Ayinger Stand of the Inn glacier). The latter two terms were introduced in the Rhine-glacier area too by German & Mader (1976). The first is used in Bavaria (e. g. Troll 1924: 32, Fig. 2; Ebers et al. 1966: 121). Just local denominations are available for the terminal moraine stages of the Late Wrm when the ice had retreated from the Innere Jungendmorne and for the Holocene terminal moraines. The closely investigated terminal moraine stages of the Inn glacier and its tributaries in Austria (Patzelt 1980; Maisch 1982) may still be used as a master classification for Bavaria too. A mostly indistinct moraine stage during Late-glacial ice retreat still attributed by some authors to the pleniglacial (see 3.1.9) displays the Stephanskirchener Stand of the Inn glacier (firstly mentioned by Troll 1924) as well as its equivalents at other glacier areas of the Alpine Foreland. This moraine stage generally crests the outer rim of the central glacier basins. A younger superordinate moraine stage during the ice retreat was already described by Penck & Brckner (19011909: Fig. 60) in the Inn valley as Bhl-Stadium. Reitner (2007) however revealed that the corresponding landforms are to explain by local interactions of the Inn glacier with tributary glaciers in the area south of Kufstein/Austria. That means Bhl is not a climate controlled stage comparable among different glacier areas. Further superordinate Late-glacial stages which are supposed to have a climatic trigger are those of Gschnitz, Daun and Egesen. The latter is commonly connected to the last climate deterioration of the Late Wrm, the
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Younger Dryas. For the previous terminal stages the correlation to definable cold phases during the Late glacial is not verified so far. Holocene glacier stages in the catchment of the former Inn glacier are described from the Central Alps (Mayr & Heuberger 1968; Patzelt & Bortenschlager 1978; Maisch 1982). But a reliable correlation to the few Holocene glaciers of the northern side of the Bavarian Alps will hardly be possible. The same is also true for their recessional moraine stages of the Late Wrm. So far only local classifications concerning single glacier tongues are available (last mentioned in Hirtlreiter 1992). Only the outermost terminal moraines of the so-called Little Ice Age (14th to mid-19th century), the stages of 1850, give better opportunities for reconstruction by using historical sources. For a comparative classification and correlation of terminal moraine stages different methods are used. These are connections by shared melt water outflows, the general position in the morphological sequence of the glacier lobes or calculations of the snow line. The last one was applied particularly for the younger, inner-alpine stages. So far numeric ages for moraine stratigraphical units are very rare. Moraines generally lack in organic material useable for radiocarbon datings. Age determinations on sparse mammoth teeth are restricted to the Rhine-glacier area outside of Bavaria. Data are summarized in Keller & Krayss (1998). The opportunities to detect buried or reworked wood remains in Holocene moraines are more promising. But this approach has its limitation as well. So the classification of the terminal moraine stages at the origin of the Loisach-glacier by Hirtlreiter (1992) is based exclusively on snow line calculations and cannot be supported by numeric ages. Applying the relative new dating method of boulders via cosmogenic isotopes one has to consider disruptions caused by the intensive human occupation in the Alpine Foreland. First results were presented by Reuther (2007) and Ivy-Ochs et al. (2008) for the area of the Isar-Loisach and the Inn piedmont glaciers. Exposition ages determined on large erratic boulders cover a broad period between 10.3 and 38.9 ka (Ivy-Ochs et al. 2008: 565). Moraine classification of the Ri. A detailed classification into terminal moraine stages comparable to the Wrm and with the objective of supraregional relevance just exists for the Ri age. According to the morphologically less concise circumstances this classification shows some major uncertainties and so far analogies are evident only between the areas of the Rhine and the Salzach glacier enframing the Bavarian Alpine Foreland. The classification of the Rhine glacier by its conceptional terms of Zungen-Ri (tongue Ri), DoppelwallRi (double ridge Ri) and the moraines of the JungRi (younger Ri) denotes for supra-regional applicability. However, terminal moraine stages of the Zungenri and also of the Jung-Ri are not documented clearly (Schreiner 1989). The characteristics of the terminal moraine stages of the Ri in the Bavarian Western Salzach glacier lobe (Grimm et al. 1979) with its inarticulate, external terminal moraine stages, an internal well developed double ridge and a youngest terminal stage, which is not documented directly,
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are well comparable to the classification of the Rhine-glacier area. Yet in the adjacent Western Inn-glacier area the classification is less comparable (Grimm et al. in prep.). For Altmornen in the remaining Bavaria correspondingly detailed classifications are not available. 4 discussion and perspectives The status of Quaternary Stratigraphy in the Alpine Foreland of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria is described by Fiebig et al. (in press), Habbe, Ellwanger & BeckerHaumann (2007) or in the stratigraphic chart of the Deutsche Stratigraphische Kommission (2002) and the accompanying comment by Litt et al. (2005). In addition to the textbooks of Jerz (1993), Ehlers (1996), Schreiner (1997), Benda (1995) for Southern Germany, van Husen (2000) and Piller et al. (2004) for Austria, Schlchter & Kelly (2000) and Preusser (2010) for Switzerland may be consulted for an outline. The traditional, primarily morphostratigraphical classification used in Bavaria is essentially defined by gravel deposits of different elevations. So far it is suitable especially in the glacial foreland. In contrast the new, substantially lithostratigraphical classification system established in Baden-Wrttemberg defines units confined by discontinuities (Ellwanger et al. 1995, 2003). This system is based on the analysis of the sequences within the glacial basins of the Rhine glacier. The new classification introduces the so-called Hokirch-Komplex (see 3.1.5) for the period of an oldest glaciation and basin formation in the area of Lake Constance preceding the Ri complex. The new concept considers tectonic movements as a reason for all of the Deckenschotter accumulations, not former phases of piedmont glaciations. Palaeomagnetical investigations in the northern Rhineglacier foreland (Fromm 1994; Ellwanger et al. 1995; Bibus et al. 1996) and in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland (Strattner & Rolf 1995) resulted in a different chronological classification of (Haslach-)Mindel and Gnz and thus also for the related units. Whereas Haslach-Mindel and as a result also Gnz in Baden-Wuerttemberg is magnetostratigraphically attributed to the reverse oriented Matuyama, in Bavaria Mindel is completely established in the normal oriented Brunhes epoch. Solely Gnz in Bavaria is thought to reach from the Matuyama up to the Brunhes epoch passing the Lower to Middle Pleistocene transition. The reasons for this discrepancy are still open. Probably on both sides of the river Iller (approximately the border between Wuerttemberg and Bavaria) gravel deposits of different ages are assigned to the Jngere Deckenschotter (Mindel-Haslach) or Tiefere ltere Deckenschotter (Gnz). The gravels of Allschwil with its covering strata containing 5 interglacial soils are classified as Jngere Deckenschotter (Zollinger 1991). Thus, considerably older deposits may be regarded as Mindel in the upper Rhine area, than in Bavaria where the cover of Jngere Deckenschotter is less differentiated. But it remains unclear so far where a boundary between the different classification systems can be fixed. Both classification systems are presented side by side in Table 3. We passed on displaying the classification of the Austrian Quaternary adjacent to the East because it is similar to the Bavarian system.

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An adaptation between the different classification systems seems absolutely essential but against the background of various approaches also complex and interminable. The enforcement of further age-determinations, the enhancement of dating methods and the consolidation of new techniques may display an objective help but will surely implicate the loss of well beloved ideas. Acknowledgement We thank Sabine Schmidbauer from the department Cartography of the Bavarian Environment Agency for the implementation of figures and tables. Johanna Lomax, BOKU Wien, enhanced the first part of our text, not only concerning the English phraseology. Many thanks to her. Furthermore we thank all involved colleagues (especially the patient reviewers) for supporting this compilation with valuable contributions. Sincere thanks to numerous colleagues whose works contributed essential insights to the overall picture, but could not be mentioned here. We apologise for our restriction to recent publications due to some kind of conciseness. Previous papers may be extracted from these publications. 5 references
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Abstract:

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60 / number 23 / 2011 / 366387 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.09 www.quaternary-science.net

GEOzOn SCiEnCE MEDiA iSSn 0424-7116

An outline of the Quaternary stratigraphy of Austria

Dirk van Husen, Jrgen M. Reitner


An overview of the Quaternary Stratigraphy in Austria is given. The subdivision of the mappable depositional units is based partly on criteria of lithostratigraphy (lithic properties) and allostratigraphy (e.g. unconformities). Traces of glaciations are missing for the Early Pleistocene period (2.580.78 Ma). The few and isolated sediment bodies are documenting fluvial accumulation and loess deposition along the rivers. Paleomagnetically correlated loess-paleosol-sequences like the profil at Stranzendorf including the Gauss/Matuyama boundary respectively Neogen/Quaternary are documenting slightly warmer condition than during during the Middle Pleistocene (0.780.13 Ma) which is in accordance with the global 18O record. Four major glaciations (Gnz, Mindel, Ri, Wrm) are proved during Middle and Late Pleistocene. All of these are documented by proglacial sediments topped by basal till, terminal moraines linked with terrace bodies and loess accumulation as well. This allows to recognize the climatic steering of sedimentation in context with advancing glaciers and the dispersion of permafrost and congelifraction as far as into the Alpine foreland. Both youngest major glaciations (Ri and Wrm) are correlated according to geochronological data with the Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 6 and 2. The simultaneousness of Gnz and Mindel with the phases of massive global climatic deterioration during MIS 16 and 12 seems plausible. Phases of less climatic deterioration and consequently glaciations have been found only in loess profiles like Krems Schiesttte so far. [Ein Abriss der Quartr-stratigraphie von sterreich] Kurzfassung: Es wird ein berblick ber die in sterreich verwendete Quartr-Stratigraphie gegeben. Die stratigraphische Gliederung der kartierbaren Sedimenteinheiten basiert teilweise auf Kriterien der Lithostratigraphie (lithologischer Eigenschaften) und jenen der Allostratigraphie (z.B. Diskonitinuitten). Fr das Altpleistozn (2.580.78 Ma) fehlen bis jetzt Spuren einer Vergletscherung. Die wenigen und isolierten Sedimentvorkommen belegen fluviatile Akkumulation und Lssablagerung in der Umgebung der Flsse. Palomagnetisch korrelierte Lss-Paloboden Sequenzen wie das Profil Stranzendorf mit der Gauss/Matuyama Grenze bzw. Neogen/Quartr Grenze dokumentieren in bereinstimmung mit den globalen 18O Werten etwas wrmere Bedingungen als im Mittelpleistozn (0.780.13 Ma). Vier Grovergletscherungen (Gnz, Mindel, Ri und Wrm) sind fr Mittelpleistozn und Jungpleistozn belegt. Diese sind mit Sedimenten aus der Vorstophase berlagert von Grundmorne, Endmornen im Alpenvorland und damit verknpfte Terrassenschttungen sowie Lssakkumulation dokumentiert. Daraus ist die klimagesteuerte Sedimentation im Zusammenhang mit dem Vorsto der Gletscher, der Ausbreitung des Permafrostes und der Frostschuttbildung bis ins Vorland erkennbar. Die jngsten Grovergletscherungen Ri und Wrm werden aufgrund geochronologischer Daten mit den Marinen Isotopenstufen (MIS) 6 und 2 korreliert. Fr Gnz und Mindel scheint eine Gleichzeitigkeit mit den Phasen massiver globaler Klimaverschlechterung whrend MIS 16 und MIS 12 plausibel. Dokumente fr die schwcheren Glaziale wurden bisher nur in Lssprofilen (z.B. Krems Schiesttte) gefunden. Alps, stratigraphy, Quaternary, Early Pleistocene, Middle Pleistocene, Late Pleistocene, glaciation, glacial deposits, landscape evolution

Keywords:

Addresses of authors: D. van Husen, Simetstrae 18, A-4813 Altmnster. E-Mail: dirk.van-husen@aon.at; J. M. Reitner, Geologische Bundesanstalt, Neulinggasse 38, A-1030 Wien. E-Mail: juergen.reitner@geologie.ac.at

The stratigraphic subdivision of the sedimentary archive of Austria attributed to the Quaternary (the last 2.58 Ma, Gibbard et al. 2009) represents a big challenge for two reasons at least. First, very different former environments (ranging from glacial, fluvio-glacial, to lacustrine and eolian) and facies associations whose sedimentary record is fragmentary and discontinuous, are documented in the Austrian landscape for the Pleistocene (2.58 Ma0.01 Ma BP). Such a complex setting leads to the second reason for problems in establishing a homogeneous stratigraphic approach. Only few sedimentary units in inneralpine, mostly glacially shaped basins can be classified according to the principles of lithostratigraphy (North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature [NACSN] 2005) i.e. using lithic characteristics and the Law of Superposition. However, it is evident that fluvio-glacial or fluvial deposits in the Alpine Foreland, having more or less the same lithic content dur366

ing all Quaternary phases of sedimentation but occurring in different but contiguous terrace levels and documenting different phases of aggradation followed by incision, represent discontinuity-bound units in the sense of allo-stratigraphy (NACSN 2005). As these units cannot be treated according to the lithostratigraphic criteria mentioned above, any stratigraphic subdivision within this setting has to rely on a mixture of different criteria for discriminating sedimentary units mappable at least at the scale of 1:10,000. The stratigraphy and stratigraphic terminology currently in use is the result of a scientific development beginning in the middle of the 19th century when glacial deposits in the Alps as well as intercalated sediments bearing organic material like the Htting breccia (see Penck 1921) gained attention. The Eastern Alps and their foreland (including parts of Upper Austria) resemble the type-area for the classical Alpine stratigraphy according to Penck & Brckner

E&G / Vol. 60 / no. 23 / 2011 / 366387 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.09 / authors / Creative Commons attribution license

5 glacier 4 4 5 3 terrace 2 1
Fig. 1: Schematic sketch showing the principal sedimentary units at the glacier terminus and the transition to a proglacial terrace. 1: proglacial gravel of the glacier advance phase (Vorstoschotter, Vorstosedimente) 2: (overconsolidated) basal till 3: terminal moraine 4: thrust with basal debris 5: supraglacial debris transported predominantly by debris flows Abb. 1: Schematische Skizze mit der Darstellung der prinzipiellen Sedimentkrper am Gletscherende und am bergang zur Terrasse im Gletschervorfeld. 1: Vorstoschotter, Vorstosedimente 2: (berkonsolidierte) Grundmorne 3: Endmorne 4: Scherflche mit basalem Schutt 5: supraglazialer Schutt berwiegend in Form von Schlammstrmen bis Muren transportiert.

JD HT NT

1 2

3 4

Fig. 2: Schematic sketch of the typical sequence of terraces in the foreland of the Eastern Alps (from van Husen, 1986). 1: unweathered gravel 2: conglomeratic parts 3: Geologische Orgel (pipe-like weathering structure), 4: Pre-Quaternary bedrock. NT: Niederterrasse (Wrm), HT: Hochterrasse (Ri); JD Jngere Deckenschotter (Mindel); D: ltere Deckenschotter (Gnz). Abb. 2: Schematische Skizze mit der typischen Terrassensequenz im Vorland der Ostalpen. 1: unverwitterte Kiese 2: konglomerierte Bereiche 3: geologische Orgeln 2: prquartrer Untergrund. NT: Niederterrasse (Wrm) HT: Hochterrasse (Ri) JD: Jngere Deckenschotter (Mindel) D: ltere Deckenschotter (Gnz).

(1909) with the Gnz, Mindel, Ri and Wrm glaciations based on the concept of Glaziale Serie genetically linking tongue basins with basal till, terminal moraine deposits and terraces consisting of proglacial outwash (compare Fig. 1). Terrace bodies and moraines of the four glaciations differ in the degree of weathering (Fig. 2) and the characteristics of cover beds (e.g. loess/paleosol assemblages). Cases of superposition are rare (e.g. near Munich/Bavaria). In the Austrian part of the Alpine foreland which was affected by tectonic uplift, outwash terraces were correlated based on the criteria mentioned above in the context of their morphological position within the valley, with the oldest ones in the highest position. This stratigraphic scheme which is reduced by some authors (e.g. Bowen 1978) to include solely the element of morphological correlation, classifying it as morphostratigraphy, has been extended and adapted in the sense of climate-based stratigraphy. However the deposits of most glacials and also some interglacials, stadials and interstadials do not cover geological time without gaps, which would be required for a (regional) chronostratigraphy (Gibbard & West 2000). Thus no regional chronostratigraphic subdivision sensu stricto exists for the Quaternary sediments of Austria, with the exception of the Wrm glacial period which was officially classified as a stage by the Subcommission on European Stratigraphy (SEQS; Chaline & Jerz,

1984). It is subdivided into three substages: Lower (Early), Middle and Upper (Late) Wrm based on palynological and lithological criteria evident in strato-types. The other glacials and at least the last interglacial (Riss/Wrm-Interglacial), which represents the Alpine equivalent of the Eemian (Grger 1979) are informally used in the sense of stages. The Marine Isotope Stages (MIS; see Gibbard & Cohen 2008, Cohen & Gibbard 2011) provide the chronostratigraphic framework (Fig. 3) within which the climate-based units (e.g. Gnz glacial) are correlated (van Husen 2000a) based on the existing geochronological and biostratigraphic constraints, whose quality and precision decreases in most cases with the age of the deposit. In the case of the Middle Pleistocene glaciations Gnz and Mindel which fall into the Brunhes epoch (van Husen 2000a) it is inferred that they are concurrent with phases of global excess 100-kyr ice as a result of unusually long intervals of low summer insolation, which are followed by major Terminations as evident in the 18O record (Raymo 1997). Such a situation is true based on geochronological data at least for the other major glaciations during Riss (MIS 6) and (Upper / Late) Wrm (MIS 2). With the knowledge on the course of these two major climatic deteriorations and their impact on the Alpine sedimentary record, a correlation of the older glaciations with the marine 18O stratigraphy seems possible based on the relation between type and magnitude of the global climate
367

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signal and the amount of reconstructed sediment production (van Husen & Reitner 2011). short outline of the stratigraphy as Linked to Landscape development The description of the system of Quaternary sedimentary units of the Middle to Late Pleistocene is based on the succession of cold (glacial) and warm (interglacial) periods shown by the 18O record (Raymo 1997, van Husen 2000a; see Fig. 3). All these varying global climatic conditions had an impact on processes shaping the landscape of the Alps in relation to the respective magnitude of the climate signal. Thus expansion of permafrost, strong congelifraction and the vegetation cover changed simultaneously with growing and shrinking of the valley glaciers. These changes occurred in higher or lower parts of the Alps or in the foreland depending on the degree of climatic deterioration (van Husen 2000a). Beside the great events (glaciations) resulting in glacier expansion into the foreland, climatic deteriorations are often documented in loess profiles only (e.g. Krems Schiesttte). The corresponding gravel beds, if ever formed and preserved, have not been recognized so far. Periglacial debris production and gravel accumulation prograded successively from the inneralpine areas to the foreland during climatic deterioration, finally forming extended terraces along the rivers (Danube and tributaries) probably only during the four climax periods. The parallelization of separated bodies of terminal moraines of the former network of valley glaciers and transient glaciers was done in consideration of the laws of ice dynamic. Isolated terraces have been correlated according to their surface gradient as well as to their base level in relation to the recent river (Fig. 2). In both cases this is supported by lithology, sedimentary facies, morphology, development of weathering and loess cover (Piller, van Husen & Schnabel 2003). According to these principal climatically controlled sedimentary and erosional processes it is possible to trace the four terraces (Penck & Brckner 1909) along the Danube and the tributaries down-stream to the Vienna Basin (Figs. 4, 5, 6 & 7) due to a uniform and quite stable tectonic situation. Within the Vienna basin such a tectonic setting seems to be present only in the westernmost part (the city of Vienna). East of the Leopoldsdorfer fault and at the centre of the Vienna Basin recent tectonic subsidence is taking place (Decker, Peresson & Hinsch 2005) influencing the deposits of the two youngest glaciations (Gnserndorfer and Prater Terrasse) north of the river Danube and forming the Mitterndorfer Senke (Mitterndof Basin) south of it. Between these two areas of active subsidence a zone of less tectonic influence runs parallel to the river (Rauchenwarter Platte Maria Ellender Hgelland Prellenkirchner Terrasse) where the gravel accumulations of Lower and Middle Pleistocene seem to be in accordance with the terraces west of the Vienna basin (Fuchs 1985a, 1985b, 1985c). Therefore local names (e.g. Fuchs 1964, 1985a, 1985b, 1985c) are not added to the table in Fig. 3 but mentioned here as synonyms. For the period of the Early Pleistocene no traces of glaciations have been found. However, the succession of cool and warm periods during this time had an effect on landscape evolution especially in the Alpine forelands in the North
368

and Southeast. Thus gravel accumulation along the rivers combined with loess deposition in the surrounding area took place more or less in the same way but under slightly warmer conditions than during the Middle Pleistocene (van Husen 2000a). Some remnants of these sediments belonging to this long period before the major glaciations began, are included in the table (Fig. 3). Lateglacial deposits like glacial sediments of prominent stadials are not within the scope of this review. Overviews on the stratigraphic terminology of this timespan have been given by van Husen (1997), Reitner (2007), and IvyOchs et al. (2009). This review aims to present the currently used Quaternary stratigraphic subdivision based on mappable bodies of sediments. In addition, three major long sections (Stranzendorf, Krems Schiesttte and Mitterndorf Basin) and an important area with fossil rich cave sediments are presented which are crucial for the understanding of Quaternary landscape evolution and have the potential to serve as reference sections for future local chronostratigraphic subdivisions. The chronostratigraphic framework for the Quaternary is given by the major chronostratigraphic subdivisions according to the standards presented by Gibbard et al. (2009) with the Early/Middle Pleistocene boundary at the MatuyamaBrunhes paleomagnetic Chron boundary following the recommendation by Richmond (1996) and Head & Gibbard (2005) and the Middle/Late Pleistocene boundary at the beginning of the Eemian (Gibbard 2003) roughly identical with the base of the MIS 6/5 boundary. In addition the record of the Marine Isotope stages serves as a global chronostratigraphic reference. The localities of stratigraphic units are displayed in the Figures 4, 5, 6, or 7. It is important to note that the Austrian landscape is subdivided into four elements: the Alps, the Northern Alpine Foreland (representing the predominant part of the Molasse Basin) drained by the river Danube and its southern tributary rivers (Inn, Traun, Enns, Ybbs and Traisen), the Vienna Basin and the Styrian Basin located in the southeast drained by the river Mur and its tributaries. The stratigraphic subdivisions with their interrelationships and the correlations partly well established, partly inferred with the chronostratigraphic frame are summarized in the table in Fig. 3. Early Pleistocene units Geiersberg schotter This unit is described by Graul (1937) and Rupp (2008). The type locality is situated east of the city of Ried im Innkreis (location see Fig. 5) on K 1:50,000 sheet 47 Ried im Innkreis. The name originates from the small village Geiersberg. The Geiersberg Schotter (in English: Geiersberg gravel) are small remnants of a former gravel accumulation north of the Kobernauer Wald (Rupp 2008). They unconformably overlay the Neogene deposits of the Molasse Basin. The gravel deposit is dominated by quartz and quartzite with some crystalline and a few limestone pebbles. The heavily oxidized and weathered gravel shows coarse bedding with thick sand layers and consists of eroded and redeposited material of the Neogene Hausruck Formation.

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Age (Ma) Alps


Wrm-Morne (terrminal moraine, basal till) Vorstosedimente, e.g. Baumkirchen Deltak. Mondsee, Nieselach D. , Kitzbheler T. Niederterrasse, Tullner Feld Hochterrasse loess loess Jngere Deckenschotter loess loess loess loess Wienerberg Terrasse, Prellenkirchener T. Parndorfe Platte Weie Nagelfluh Gnz-Morne (terrminal moraine, basal till) ltere Deckenschotter Arsenal Terrasse, Prellenkirchener T. Parndorfer Platte loess Hochterrasse loess Prater Terrasse Grazer Feld, Leibnitzer Feld Gnserndorfer Terrasse Stadtterrasse Torrener Nagelfluh Ri-Morne (terrminal moraine, basal till) Vorstosedimente,
Schotter

Holocene

0.00

MIS

MIS

Glacier extent

Northern Alpine Foreland

Vienna Basin

Styrian Basin
loess loess

0.01

0.0117

Holocene

Late

Wrm

0.1

5a 0.13 5e

Eemian

2 4

Ri

? ?

Brunhes

0.4

11

LGM extent

0.3

S e n k e Steinfeld

0.2

Holsteinian 12 Mindel

Jngere Deckenschotter

loess

0,5

Httinger Brekzie and similar deposits Mnchsberg Nagelfluh Mindel-Morne (terrminal moraine, basal till) Vorstosedimente, Graue Nagelfluh

14

Middle

0,6

3,5 d180

0.7

? ? ?
Laaerberg Terrasse Eichwaldschotter, Kiese von Reuharting - Schnelling, Forstholz

0.8

0.78 19

0.9

22

1.0

1.1

Jar. Matuy.

1.3

1.4

interglacial level

1.2

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Amstettner Bergland

Quaternary Pleistocene

Matuyama

K r e m s S c h i e s t t t e Hundsheim - Pfaffenberg - Deutsch Altenburg

1.5

1.6

Maria Ellender / Arbestaler Hgelland Rauchenwarter Platte

Early

5,0 d 180 glacial level

Ol.

1.9

2.1

Federnberg-Schotter

2.3

Geiersberg-Schotter

Glacier in highest valleys only

2.5

2.6

Neogene

Pliocene

Piacenz.

Gauss

2.7

2.58

2.4

Matuyama

2.2

cave fillings

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? ? ?

1.8

formation of loess, soils and terraces occasionally

1,7

Langenloiser Terrasse

Fig. 3: Table indicating the stratigraphic subdivision of the Quaternary sedimentary record of Austria and the correlations according our knowledge and assumptions (see text) with the chronostratigraphic frame given by Gibbard & Cohen (2008) and Cohen & Gibbard (2011). The sedimentary units are assigned to the four main units of the Austrian landscape according to their occurrence. The glacier extent indicates schematically the known and possible glacier extents during different glacial periods (LGM extent = glacier extent during the climax of the Wrm glaciation).

2.0

Abb. 3: Tabelle mit der stratigraphischen Untergliederung des quartren Sedimentarchivs in sterreich und deren Korrelation mit dem chronostratigraphischen Rahmen nach Gibbard & Cohen (2008) und Cohen & Gibbard (2011). Die Sedimentkrper wurden entsprechend ihrem Vorkommen den vier Grorumen der sterreichischen Landschaft zugeordnet. In der Spalte glacier extent wird die bekannte und mgliche Gletscherausdehnung whrend der verschieden Glaziale angezeigt. (LGM extent = Gletscherausdehnung whrend des Hhepunktes der WrmVergletscherung).

M i t t e r n d o r f e r

Gnz

16

Kaiserwaldterrasse

loess

369

Fig. 5
Isar

Mass

if

Danube
Hundsheim
VIENNA
n

Bohemian
Linz
Inn

Amper

Ried/Innkreis
Erlauf

Krems

Ybbs

Trais e

Munich
Irrsee TraunAtter- see see
Steyr

u Tra

Schw echa

Leitha

Eisenstadt NeusiedlerSc
Piesting

48

Starnberger see

Mondsee

Enns

hw arz

Salzburg
Enns

Mondsee

Bodensee

Iller

Bregenz
Salzach

Baumkirchen Hopfgarten
Zille r
M ll Spittal/Drau

Kitzbhel
Mur

Gleisdorf

Inn

Graz
Kai nac h

in

Rhe

Lec

Innsbruck

Leibnitz

Mur

Podlanig

Drau Nieselach Gail

Klagenfurt
Drau

Freibachtal
0 100 km
46

Last Glacial Maximum Wrm glaciation / maximum extent of Wrm moraines Area of Niederterrasse

10

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Fig. 4: Key map of the Quaternary landscape of Austria with the limit of the last glaciation (Wrm) and its outwash deposits (Niederterrasse) (after van Husen 2000a). All localities mentioned in the text are shown in this figure or in detailed maps of Figs. 5, 6 & 7.

Abb. 4: Karte der quartren Landschaft von sterreich mit der Ausdehnung der letzten Vergletscherung (Wrm) und deren Schmelzwasserablagerungen (Niederterrasse) (nach van Husen 2000a). Alle im Text erwhnten Lokalitten sind in dieser Abbildung oder den Detailkarten (Abb. 5, 6 und 7) zu finden.

Mar

Ingolstadt

Kamp

ch

370

50

12
Thaya

14

16

50

Fig. 6

1 Fig. 4

Dan ube

see

14

Danu

be
0 50 km

Linz

Inn
Gunderding Grund Adenberg Gilgenberg Thann Hinterklam Uttendorf Mattighofen Pfaffing Pondorf
48

Ried/Innkreis Wels

u Tra

Krems

Mondsee Mnchsberg

Irrsee

Salzburg

Mondsee

Attersee

Traunsee

Golling Torren

Enns

14

Fig. 5: Detailed map showing all localities between Salzburg and Linz. For legend see Fig. 4. Abb. 5: Detailkarte aller Lokalitten zwischen Salzburg und Linz. Fr die Legende siehe Abb. 4.

16

Thaya

Bohemian Massif
ch

Glle

rsb.
Mar

Kamp
Ru
Neudegg Langenlois Krems Hollenburg Gobelsburg Stranzendorf Greifenstein Aderklaa Tulln

Ste y

Sattledt Kremsmnster Reuharting Aiterbach Lindach Laakirchen Lenzing Gschwandt Schrfling Gmunden

Ybbs
Enns
Lassee Bruck/Leitha Parndorf

Forstholz

Amstetten

48

u Dan

Tra ise n

Fig. 6: Detailed map indicating all relevant localities in the NE of Austria close to Vienna. For legend see Fig. 1. The black frame of Fig. 7 is indicated. Abb. 6: Detailkarte aller relevanten Lokalitten im Nordosten von sterreich in der Umgebung von Wien. Fr die Legende siehe Abb. 4. Der schwarze Rahmen zeigt die Ausdehnung der Detailkarte in Abb. 7.
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ch lza Sa

ac b h

Gnserndorf Obersiebenbrunn

be

Tullner Feld

Fig. 7
Rauchenwarth Mitterndorf

VIENNA
Schw echa t

Hundsheim Prellenkirchen Maria Ellend


48

Vienna Basin
g
Wiener Neustadt

Leitha

Eisenstadt
Neusiedler See

Piestin
Wllersdorf

Sc

hw

ar

za

Steinfeld
16

50 km

371

VIENNA
VIE NNA WO OD S

St. Stephen's Cathedral

Wien F

luss

Schnbrunn

Prater Terrasse Arsenal Terrasse Wienerberg Terrasse Laaerberg Terrasse Theresianum Terrasse
(after KPPER, 1968)
1 km

Krems a.d. Donau). Synonymous is the term Gobelsburger Terrasse (Piffl 1959). Lithologically the unit consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel with a thickness ranging from 10 to 15 m. The deposits are unconformably underlain by Neogene sediments of the Molasse Basin. The gravel deposits are strongly weathered and partly covered with loess. They mainly consists of crystalline rocks (c. 7080%) mixed with limestone and sandstone (3020%) in the non-weathered parts, typical for fluvial deposits of the Danube. The unit is covered by thick loess deposits interrupted by paleosols. According to paleomagnetic measurements the gravel accumulation took place in the upper part of the Matuyama chron in the Early Pleistocene. Eichwaldschotter The first recognition is from Graul (1937) as AichbergGeinberg Verschotterung. The unit is first defined by Weinberger (1955). The type area is situated NE of the city of Mattighofen (location see Fig. 5) on K 1:50,000 sheet 46 Mattighofen. The name (Eichwald gravel in English) originates from a local field name. The gravel unconformably overlies Neogene sediments of the Molasse Basin. Lithologically the sediment consists predominantly of rounded and well-rounded coarse sand-bearing gravel beds. The lithological composition of the gravel is quite similar to that of the younger terrace gravel along the rivers Inn and Salzach in front of the terminal moraines of the Salzachgletscher. They were formed by braided river as well. The gravel is strongly weathered and covered by loess. The chronostratigraphic age is assigned to a cold period older than Gnz. Based on the similarity in facies and lithology with the typical fluvioglacial sediments of Middle Pleistocene age (e.g. ltere Deckenschotter of the Gnz glaciation) the Eichwaldschotter may represent the beginning of major Alpine glaciations at MIS 22 during the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition, as recorded in the southern Alpine area and foreland (Muttoni et al. 2003, 2007). Kiese von reuharting - schnelling, Forstholz Publications of Kohl (in: Krenmayr et al. 1997) and Krenmayr et al. (2006) describe the unit (gravel of Reuharting-Schnelling, Forstholz) for the type area in the northern part of the Traun-Enns Platte (locations see Fig. 5; K50 sheets 49 Wels, 51 Steyr). The lithology of the 20 to 30 meter thick unit consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel deposits. The predominantly occurring sub-rounded crystalline rocks are partly mixed with limestone and dolomites. The gravel is deeply weathered and partly covered with a residual clay deposit. According to sediment structures and some sub-angular boulders the accumulation took place during cold periods (Kohl in: Krenmayr et al. 1997). The chronostratigraphic age is assumed as cold periods older than Gnz (Kohl in Krenmayr et al. 1997) and may correlate with MIS 22 according to arguments mentioned for the Eichwaldschotter unit.

Stadtterrasse = Gnserndorfer Terrasse

Fig. 7: Detailed map showing the classical terrace system in Vienna. Abb. 7: Detailkarte mit dem klassischen Terrassensystem im Stadtgebiet von Wien.

The chronostratigraphic age is assumed to correlate with a cold period during Early Pleistocene which is much older than the period when the Federnberg Schotter were formed. Federnberg schotter The description of this unit meaning Federnberg gravel in English is given by Graul (1937) and Rupp (2008). The type area is situated west of the city of Ried im Innkreis (location see Fig. 5) on K 1:50,000 sheet 47 Ried im Innkreis. The name originates from a local ridge named Federnberg. The Federnberg Schotter is a large remnant of extended gravel accumulations along the rivers north of the Kobernauer Wald (Rupp 2008). The base of the gravel is marked by an unconformity at the transition to the Neogene deposits of the Molasse Basin. The deposit consists of predominantly rounded and wellrounded coarse sand-bearing gravel. It is poorly sorted and more or less horizontally bedded with intensive cross bedding which typifies deposition by a braided river. Petrographically the gravel is dominated by quartz and quartzite. Pebbles of crystalline rocks are rare and limestone pebbels are very rare. The material is frequently eroded consitst largely of re-deposited gravel and sand of the Neogene Hausruck Formation. The gravel is weathered and strongly oxidized. The chronostratigraphic age is thought to correlate with a cold period in the Early Pleistocene, much older than the period when the Eichwald Schotter were formed. Langenloiser terrasse The first description of the Langenlois terrace was given by Fink & Piffl (1976c) for the type area in the southern part of Kremsfeld (location see Fig. 6; K 1:50,000 sheet 38
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B NU DA E

The chronostratigraphic age is assumed to correlate with Early Pleistocene. maria Ellender / Arbesthaler Hgelland Schnabel et al. (2002) mentioned the unit in the type area which is the hilly area (the meaning of Hgelland in German) south of the river Danube (location see Fig. 6) between Knigsberg in the West and Wartberg in the East (K 1:50,000 sheet 60 Bruck a.d. Leitha). The unit is made up of remnants of former extended gravel deposits. It consists of fine to coarse sand-bearing gravel beds interbedded with up to 20 m thick sand layers. The gravel clasts are mainly rounded to well-rounded and composed of c.8090% crystalline rocks mixed with limestone and sandstone. The sedimentology indicates a deposition by the river Danube. The chemical weathering of the deposits is very well developed and reaches down to the base of the gravel. The chronostratigraphic age is correlated with the Early Pleistocene (Fuchs 1985c). rauchenwarter Platte The unit was first described by Kpper (1968). The type area is the hilly area between the Vienna Airport (Katharinenhof) in the north and the villages of Himberg and Ebergassing in the south (K 59 Wien). The name [(gravel) sheet of Rauchenwarth in English] is derived from the village of Rauchenwarth (location see Fig. 6). Lithologically the unit consists of fine to coarse sand-bearing gravel deposits interbedded with sand layers. The deposit is interpreted as the remnants of former extended gravel deposits. The gravel is mainly rounded to well-rounded and composed of 8090% crystalline rocks mixed with some limestone and sandstone indicating deposition by the river Danube. The chemical weathering of the deposits is intensive and may reached down to the base of the gravel. North of Rauchenwarth the gravel and Neogene sediments, which make up the base of the gravel, are covered by loess (Fuchs 1985). The thickness of the the unit amounts some 15 m. The chronostratigraphic age of the deposits are correlated with the Early Pleistocene (Fuchs 1985 d). Laaerberg terrasse This unit (Laaerberg terrace in English) was first defined by Schaffer (1902) and later on described by Fink & Majdan (1954) and Kpper (1968) for the type area in the 10th district of the city of Vienna (see Fig. 7) around the flat hill called Laaerberg (K 1:50,000 sheet 59 Wien) a recreation area. Lithologically it consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel of crystalline rocks (mostly quartz and quarztite) which was deposited by the river Danube. The unit shows an unconformable contact to underlying Neogene sediments and has a thickness around 34 m. The gravel deposits have a reddish matrix as a result of intense weathering and show cryoturbation structures. The chronostratigraphic age is older than that of the Gnz glaciation and is assumed to correspond with cold periods within the Early Pleistocene.
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Fig. 8: Outcrop of the Federnberg Schotter (location south of Ried/Innkreis, see Fig. 5) showing horizontally bedded and oxidized gravel with rounded clasts consisting predominantly of quartz and quartzite (outcrop height is approximately 2 m). Layers of clast-supported gravel with open-framework are indicative for deposition by braided river. Abb. 8: Aufschluss mit Federnberg Schotter (Lokalitt sdlich von Ried/Innkreis, siehe Abb. 5) bestehend aus horizontal geschichtetem und oxidiertem Schotter mit gerundeten Quarz- und Quarzitgerllen (die Aufschlusshhe betrgt etwa 2 m). Lagen von korngesttzen Kiesen (Rollkiese) sind typisch fr die Ablagerung durch braided river.

Amstettner bergland A description is given by Krenmayr & Schnabel (2002) for the type area in the hills between the rivers Enns, Donau and Ybbs (location see Fig. 5; K 1:50,000 sheets 51 Steyr, 52 St.Peter i. d. Au, 53 Amstetten) near the city of Amstetten. Synonyms are Strengberg Schlierriedelland and YbbsErlauf-Melk Schlierriedelland (Fischer 1979). The lithology of the up to 20 m thick unit consists of fine to coarse sand and clay containing gravel deposits. The gravel is strongly weathered and covered by weathered loess. This gravel deposits is interpreted as the remnant of former terraces accumulations formed by the river Danube. The gravel mainly consists of crystalline rocks, mixed with limestone and sandstone components supplied by the southern tributaries of the Danube. In the highest elevated terrace these materials are mostly weathered while in the lower situated terraces 30 to 40% of the sediment is unweathered.

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middle Pleistocene units Gnz-morne (terminal moraine, basal till) The first description of Gnz-Morne in the sense of terminal moraine was given by Penck & Brckner (1909) for the type area in the Iller-Lech Platte, along the river Gnz. Reference sections in Austria are described by Weinberger (1955) and Kohl (2000). In Austria the Gnz moraines of the Salzach glacier are well developed at Siedelberg (Weinberger 1955) west of Uttendorf (location see Fig. 5), where also the transition into the gravel of the ltere Deckenschotter is preserved. Other remnants of these terminal moraines are described from the Traun glacier at Berg SE Lindach and from the Krems glacier around Sattledt (Weinberger 1955, Kohl 2000, Egger & van Husen 2007). Lithologically the unit consists of diamictons (till) of coarse sand-bearing gravel with boulders. Often a varying content of silt and clay can be noticed. Locally indistinct bedding can be found. The clast composition of the deposits reflects the lithology in the catchment area according to the resistance of the material against glacial abrasion. Only the remnants of basal till on the up-flow side of the terminal moraine are highly consolidated (compare Fig. 1). The till is normally deeply weathered to depths of 5 meter. The thickness of the unit is unknown and probably shows strong variations. The unit is partly covered by loess. The Gnz basal till, consists of an overconsolidated massive, matrix-supported diamicton. It has an unconformable contact to underlaying pre-Quaternary bedrock as well as older Pleistocene sediments. Genetically, the Gnz terminal moraine was deposited (overwhelmingly) as a dump moraine by a stationary glacier. It marks the maximum ice extent of the glacier tongues menitioned above. Generally, the basal till can be classified as a subglacial traction till (Evans et al. 2006). The chronostratigraphic age is probably correlated with MIS 16 (van Husen 2000a). lterer deckenschotter This unit was first described by Penck & Brckner (1909) for the type area in the Iller-Lech Platte. The name meaning older sheet of gravel in English originates from the morphologically wide-spread occurrence of the apparently homogenuous gravel deposits north of the Eastern Alps, like in the Traun-Enns Platte. Synonymous are the Terrasse N Hochstraburg (Fuchs 1964) and the Enns-Ybbs Schotterplatte (Fischer 1979). The lithology shows coarse sand-bearing gravel typified by a poor sorting and bedding. The lithology of the clasts corresponds to the sources in the catchment areas of the rivers. Along the rivers Traun and at the Traun-Enns Platte (between the rivers Traun and Enns, Fig. 5) the material predominantly derived from the Alps (limestone, dolomite, and flysch sandstones) is mixed with older crystalline-bearing gravel in the lower part of the sequence (Kohl 2000). At Enns-Ybbs Schotterplatte (between the rivers Enns and Ybbs, Fig. 5) the gravel was supplied by the river Enns (Fischer 1979). Distinct gravel layers may show a good cementation.
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Fig. 9: Outcrop of ltere Deckenschotter (location east of Kremsmnster) with a cover of younger loess on top (outcrop height approximately 6 m). White arrows and dashed lines indicate the locations of pipe-like weathering structures (Geologische Orgeln) which occur between pillars of cemented gravel (conglomerate). Abb. 9: Aufschluss mit lterem Deckenschotter (Lokalitt stlich von Kremsmnster), der von einem jngeren Lss bedeckt ist. Die weien Pfeile und die strichlierten Linien zeigen die Lage von rhrenfrmigen Verwitterungsstrukturen (Geologische Orgeln) zwischen konglomerierten Kiesen an.

Intensive weathering is evident on the top of the gravel below the up to 10 m thick loess cover. Frequently occurring pipe-like weathering features (Geologische Orgeln) exsist throughout the whole sequence (see Figs. 2 & 9). The unit has a variable thickness of 15 to 30 meter due to changing bedrock topography. It consists of fluvial gravel mainly deposited by braided rivers. The unit is connected with terminal moraines in the Salzach glacier at Siedelberg West of Uttendorf (Weinberger 1955), in the Traun-Enns Platte (Kohl 2000), and the Enns-Ybbs Schotterplatte (Fischer 1979). Some remnants occur along the Danube and its southern tributaries (Krenmayr & Schnabel et al. 2006, Schnabel et al. 2002). The chronostratigraphic age is probably correlated with MIS 16 (van Husen 2000a), but the unit may include older deposits as well. Wienerberg terrasse This unit (in English: Wienerberg terrace) was first described by Fink & Majdan (1954) and Kpper (1968) for the type area in the 10th district of the city of Vienna (see Fig. 7) around Spinnerin am Kreuz (K 1:50,000 sheet 59 Wien). Lithologically it consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel of mainly crystalline rocks which were deposited by the river Danube. The thickness amounts 10 m. In the upper parts subangular flysch gravel (Plattelschotter) frequently occurs. The gravel deposits are weathered in the upper part and covered by loess. Cryoturbations mixed both. Remnants of elephants (El. planifrons) were found by Kpper (1968). It is supposed that the unit represents the lteren Deck-

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enschotter in the Vienna Basin. Thus the chronostratigraphic age is assumed to correlate as well to MIS 16. Prellenkirchner terrasse The unit was mentioned by Wessely (2006) as Petronell-Prellenkirchner Terrasse with the type area around the village of Prellenkirchen (K 1:50,000 sheets 61 Hainburg, 79 Neusiedl a. See). The name (in English: Prellenkirchen terrace) derives from the village of Prellenkirchen (location see Fig. 6). The terrace consists of coarse gravel and sand deposited by the river Danube. The gravel is rounded to well-rounded and consists predominantly of crystalline rocks (c. 80%) mixed with limestone, dolomite and sandstones (c. 20%). It is strongly weathered and partly covered with loess. The gravel deposit is underlain by a basal package of sand and clay. It is situated at about 40 m above the recent levels of the rivers Danube and Leitha. Sediment structures (e.g. cross bedding) indicate deposition by braided rivers. The thickness is about 10 m. The unit developed during probably two glacial periods (Gnz, Mindel, cf. Fuchs 1985b). Thus the chronostratigraphic age might correlate with MIS 12 and MIS 16. Parndorfer Platte Descriptions of this unit are from Wessely (1961) and Husler (2007) for the type area east of Parndorf (K50 sheets 61 Hainburg, 79 Neusiedl a. See). The name meaning (gravel) sheet of Parndorf in English originates from the village of Parndorf (location Fig. 6). Lithologically the unit consists of fine to coarse sandbearing gravel deposits of the river Danube. The gravel clasts are rounded to well rounded and predominantly composed of crystalline rocks (c. 90%) mixed with limestone, dolomite and sandstones (c.10%) in the lower situated younger parts. The older, higher situated gravel, which is strongly weathered and partly covered with loess deposits shows intensive cryoturbation (Husler 2007). Gravel deposits occur tectonically isolated from its surroundings at an about 20 m higher situated base of sand and clay (Fuchs 1985). Sediment structures (e.g. cross bedding) indicate deposition by a braided river. The thickness is about 10 m. It is assumed that the sediments were deposited during two glacial periods (Gnz, Mindel, cf. Fuchs 1985a, b; Husler 2007). Thus the chronostratigraphic age might correlate with MIS 12 and MIS 16. Kaiserwaldterrasse The first descriptions was given by Penck & Brckner (1909). Additional information is provided by WinklerHermaden (1955) and Fink (1961). The type area of the Kaiserwald terrace is south of Graz (location see Fig. 4) between the rivers Mur and Kainach (K 1:50,000 sheet 190 Leibnitz). Lithologically the unit consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel deposits which show intensive cross bedding. The material was deposited by the rivers Mur and Kainach. The base of Kaiserwaldterrasse showing an unconformable contact to Neogene sediments is above the surface level

of the Grazer Feld (Niederterrasse) surface. An up to 10 m thick cover of weathered loess is characteristic for this up to 15 m thick gravel unit (Ebner 1983). The chronostratigraphic age is according to the high baselevel and the loess cover probably correlated with the Gnz glaciation (MIS 16) but the unit may include older deposits as well. Weie nagelfluh The first description was given by Angerer (1909) for the type area in the Traun-Enns Platte (K 1:50,000 sheets 67 Grnau i. Almtal, 68 Kirchdorf) with the type section in the former quarries Lrchwand (N 480320, E 140715) and Wolfgangstein (N 480400, E 140848) both located in the village of Kremsmnster (location see Fig. 5). A reference section is in the quarry of Egenstein (N 475842, E 135735). The name (in English: white conglomerate) derives from the striking bright colour of the conglomerates. Synonym is the Kremsmnsterer Nagelfluh. Lithologically the deposit is made up of massive well cemented sand-bearing conglomerates (Figs. 10 & 11). The clasts are predominantly rounded limestone, dolomite and some sandstone (Flysch). The deposit is 5 to 15 m thick. Angular to sub-angular boulders probably transported by ice floes occur frequently. The sediments are poorly sorted with intensive cross bedding and small foresets (channel fill). The uppermost part shows weathering with layers of reddish clay (Kohl in Krenmayr et al. 1997, Fig. 11). The deposits is well-known as local building stone. The unit was probably deposited by braided river very likely during a cold period. A connection with till deposits is not known. The chronostratigraphic age is probably correlated with MIS 14 (van Husen 2000a). mindel-morne (terminal moraine, basal till) and vorstosedimente The first description of Mindel-Morne in the sense of terminal moraine was given by Penck & Brckner (1909). In Austria, Weinberger (1955), del Negro (1969) and Kohl (2000) mentioned the unit. Type area is the Iller-Lech Platte, along the river Mindel. Reference sections in Austria are situated only at the northern rim of the Eastern Alps where the glacier termini during the Mindel glacial are well documented like in the area between the Salzach glacier in the West and the Krems glacier in the East (Weinberger 1955; del Negro 1969; Kohl 2000, Egger & van Husen 2003; van Husen 1989; Egger 1996; Egger & van Husen 2007). The ridge of Sperledt between Adenberg and Edt (Weinberger 1955) marks the terminal moraine of the Salzach glacier. The same is true for the Traun glacier at Forstern, Pondorf, Weienkirchen, Pfaffing, Hehenberg and Laakirchen, Rabesberg (Weinberger 1955, del Negro 1969, Kohl 2000, Egger & van Husen 2007) and for the Krems glacier at Magdalenerberg, Kremsmnster and Schlierbach (Weinberger 1955, Kohl 2000, Egger & van Husen 2007, Fig. 5). Lithologically the unit consists of diamictons (till) of coarse sand-bearing gravel with boulders. Often a varying content of silt and clay can be noticed. Locally indistinct
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Fig. 10: Historical quarry in Kremsmnster to mine the building stone of Weie Nagelfluh (white conglomerate) (location s. Fig. 5). The superposition of Weie Nagelfluh(white conglomerate made up predominantly by triassic limestone) by Graue Nagelfluh, a conglomerate representing the proglacial sediments of the advancing Krems-Steyr glacier during the Mindel glaciation and finally by the Mindel basal till is evident. Abb. 10: Historischer Steinbruch in Kremsmnster (Lage s. Abb. 5) fr den Abbau der als Baustein gentzten Weien Nagelfluh. Dieses aus hellen Karbonatgerllen bestehende Konglomerat wird von Grauer Nagelfluh (Vorstoschotter der Mindel-Vergletscherung) und letztlich der MindelGrundmorne berlagert.

bedding can be found. The clast composition of the gravel deposits reflects the lithology in the catchment area according to the resistance of the material against glacial abrasion. Only the remnants of basal till on the up-flow side of the terminal moraine are highly consolidated (see Fig. 1). The till is normally deeply weathered to an average depth of 35 meter. The thickness ranges from some meters to 3040 m. The unit is partly covered by loess. The Mindel basal till, consisting of massive, matrixsupported diamicton, often covers a few meter thick basal gravel bed which reflects sedimentary transition to the till. These gravel deposits called Vorstoschotter in German were formed in front by fluvial action in of the advancing glacier and covered by till immediately after deposition (Fig. 1 & Fig. 9). Genetically, the Mindel terminal moraine was (overwhelmingly) deposited as a dump moraine by a stationary glacier. It marks the maximum ice extent of the tongues of Salzach, Traun and Krems glacier (Weinberger 1955, Kohl 2000, van Husen 1977, Egger & van Husen 2007) during the pleniglacial conditions. Ri basal till (German: Grundmorne) i.e. overconsolidated massive matrix-supported diamicton with occasional shear planes) occurs on top of pre-Quaternary bedrock as well as on older Pleistocene sediments. The contact is in most cases unconformable. Generally, the basal till can be classified as a subglacial traction till (Evans et al. 2006). The chronostratigraphic age is probably correlated with MIS 12 (van Husen 2000a). Graue nagelfluh The first description is from Kohl (1977) for the type area around Kremsmnster (K50 sheet 68 Kirchdorf, location see Fig. 6). The the type section is situated in the quarry Lrchwand (N 480320, E 140715). The name (English meaning: gray conglomerate) originates from the dark greyish colour that results from a high content of Flysch sandstones. The lithology of the 510 m thick unit is described as coarse sand-bearing gravel with a weak bedding. Clasts consist of limestone, dolomite and sandstone and are irregularly cemented. Frequent cross bedding and a transition into the overlying till (Mindel) is evident. The unit was probably deposited by a braided river in front of the advancing glacier (Mindel) in the Krems valley (Upper Austria) around Aiterbach, Rindbach, Kremstal (Kohl 2000). The underlying unit is the weathered Weie Nagelfluh. The chronostratigraphic age is probably correlated with MIS 12 (van Husen 2000a). Jngerer deckenschotter

Fig. 11: Weathering horizon on top of Weie Nagelfluh (white conglomerate) overlain by Graue Nagelfluh (grey conglomerate) indicating a stable surface under supposed interglacial conditions (location: quarry south of Kremsmnster, height of the outcrop approximately 4 m). Abb. 11: Der Verwitterungshorizont am Top der Weien Nagelfluh und berlagert von Grauer Nagelfluh dokumentiert vermutlich interglaziale Bedingungen (Lokalitt: Steinbruch sdlich von Kremsmnster, Aufschlusshhe ca. 4 m).

Description was given by Penck & Brckner (1909) especially for the Iller-Lechplatte. The name meaning younger sheet of gravel in English indicates the unit as a morphologically wide-spread gravel deposit which is only slightly incised into the lterer Deckenschotter (Fig. 2), like in the Traun-Enns Platte (between the rivers Traun and Enns, Fig. 5). Synonymous are the Terrasse von Lehen and respectively the Terrasse S Ordning (Fuchs 1964).

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The lithology consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel deposits with weak layering. The material reflects the lithology of the catchment areas of the supplying rivers. In contrast to the lteren Deckenschotter along the rivers Traun and Enns, all the material of the Jngerer Deckenschotter originates from the Alps as is demonstrated by the content of limestone, dolomite, and flysch sandstone. In some layers the gravel is well cemented. The gravel deposits are intensively weathered at the top which is covered by loess. Pipe-like weathering features (Geologische Orgeln) occur frequently (s. Fig. 2). The unit is up to 40 m thick and connected to Mindel Mornen NE of Adenberg (Weinberger 1955), S Lindach (Kohl 2000, Egger & van Husen 2007). Additional remnants Jngerer Deckenschotter occur along the Danube and its southern tributaries (Krenmayr & Schnabel et al. 2006, Schnabel et al. 2002). The chronostratigraphic age is probably correlated with MIS 12 (van Husen 2000a). mnchsberg nagelfluh The first descriptions of the Mnchsberg conglomerate were given by Bou (1830), Morlot (1847), Penck & Brckner (1909), and Gtzinger (1936). The type area is the city of Salzburg (location see Fig. 5) and its vicinity (K 1:50,000 sheet 63 Salzburg). The type section is located at the Mnchsberg (N 474800 E 130200) in the city center of Salzburg of which the name of the unit is derived. Synonymous the term Salzburger Nagelfluh is used. Lithologically the unit consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel deposits which are in part well-cemented to conglomerate. The outcropping thickness reaches 80 m. The gravel composition is similar to that of the modern gravel of the river Salzach. Layers are dipping 2030 in west to northeastern directions. Apart from a few layers that consist only of coarse gravel without sand the conglomerates show a predominantly sand matrix. The conglomerates are well-known for its use as building stone (Kieslinger 1964). The unit is supposed to represent foreset-beds of a kame which was formed in small lakes during the initial phase of down-melting of the Salzach glacier at the end of the Mindel glaciation (Termination V). Thus the unit is probably correlated with MIS 12 (van Husen 2000a). Arsenal terrasse Publications about the unit called Arsenal terrace in English are from Schaffer (1902), Fink & Maydan (1954), and Kpper (1968). The type area is the railway station Sdbahnhof and the nearby situated former military complex Arsenal (location see Fig. 7; K 1:50,000 sheet 59 Wien). Lithologically the unit consits of 1015 m thick coarse sand-bearing gravel deposits. The gravel is mainly composed of crystalline rocks from the river Danube and contains angular boulders (Suess 1862) in the lower parts which were obviously transported by ice floes. In the upper parts layers with subangular flysch gravel (Plattelschotter) are dominant. The gravel deposits are covered by a weathering zone and loess which are intermingled by cryoturbations.

It is supposed that the unit represents the Jngeren Deckenschotter in the Vienna Basin. Thus the chronostratigraphic age is assumed to correlate as well with MIS 12. Httinger brekzie The first recognition of the Htting breccia was made by Escher von der Linth (1845) and Morlot (1847). Modern comprehensive descriptions are given by Penck 1921 and Sanders & Ostermann (2006). The type area is in Innsbruck (Fig. 1) north of the river Inn between Httinger(N471700 E 112220) and Mhlauergraben (N 471800 E 112450) (Fig. 1; K 1:50,000 sheet 118 Innsbruck). The name comes from the village of Htting (now part of Innsbruck) at the mouth of the Httingergraben. Synonymous are other similar breccias on the southern rim of the Calcareous Alps (van Husen 2000a). The lithology is a well-cemented breccia containing angular triassic carbonate rocks, silt-sandstone and some associated crystalline erratics. The predominantly coarse talus contains some fine-grained layers. Based on the colour two types of breccias can be recognized: the White Breccia and the Red Breccia in the lower parts of the slope. The colour results from the bedrock colour that influences the matrix (Ampferer 1936). Plant fossils crop out on one spot (Rossfall-Lahner N 471730 E 112240). The flora is rich in taxa indicating warm interglacial conditions (e.g. Rhododendron, vitis) during deposition (v. Ettingshausen 1885, v. Wettstein 1892, Gams 1936, Denk 2006). The origin and facies of the unit is a talus formed mostly by debris and mud flows but also by rock fall and grain flow (Sanders, Ostermann & Kramers 2009). The latter formed laminated silt deposits in distal puddles (Sanders & Ostermann 2006). The thickness can amount more than 100 m. The unit is underlain by older till (Mindel) and Triassic bedrock and superimposed by two tills separated by gravel deposits (Ampferer 1936). The chronostratigraphic age is supposed to Mindel/Ri interglacial (Penck 1921, Ampferer 1936) and can probably cover the full time-span of MIS 11 to MIS 7 (van Husen 2000a). Recently a correlation with MIS 5 is discussed (Sanders & Ostermann 2006). Such a young age is supported by luminescence ages which suggest an Early- to Middle Wrm deposition of the Htting Breccia (Gemmel & Sptl 2009). ri-morne (terminal moraine, basal till) and vorstosedimente The first description of Ri-Morne in the sense of a terminal moraine (German: Endmorne) was given by Penck & Brckner (1909). The type area is located at the eastern rim of the former Rhein glacier around the type locality Biberach a. d. Ri. Reference areas are in the Salzach glacier (Weinberger 1955) and Traun glacier (van Husen 1977) area. The name is derived from the River Ri (Baden Wrttemberg /Germany). Only few clear remnants of Riss terminal moraines are known in the Eastern Alps: Salzach glacier (locations see Fig 2) around Thann, Grund, Gilgenberg, Hinterklam (Weinberger 1955) and Khberg (Egger & van Husen
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2003), Traun glacier around the glacier tongues at Irrsee, Attersee and Traunsee (Egger & van Husen 2003, van Husen 1989, Egger 1996, Egger & van Husen 2007), and Krems glacier around Warthberg (Kohl 2000). Lithologically the unit consists of diamictons (till) of coarse sand-bearing gravel with boulders. Often a varying content of silt and clay can be noticed. Locally indistinct bedding can be found. The clast composition of the gravel deposits reflects the lithology in the catchment area according to the resistance of the material against glacial abrasion. Only the remnants of basal till on the up-flow side of the terminal moraine are highly consolidated (see Fig. 1). The till shows normally advanced weathering, averaging a depth of 1 to 2 m. The thickness ranges from some meters to 3050 m. The unit is partly covered by loess. The Ri basal till often covers a few meter thick basal gravel bed which reflects sedimentary transition to the till. These fluvial gravel deposits called Vorstoschotter in German were formed in front of the advancing glacier and covered by till immediately after deposition. Genetically, the Ri terminal moraine was (predominatly) deposited as a dump moraine by a stationary glacier. It marks the maximum ice extent of the tongues of Salzach, Traun and Krems glacier (Weinberger 1955, Kohl 2000, van Husen 1977, Egger & van Husen 2007) during the penultimate pleniglacial conditions. Ri basal till (German: Grundmorne) i.e. overconsolidated matrix-supported massive diamicton with occasional shear planes) occurs on top of pre-Quaternary bedrock as well as on older Pleistocene sediments. The contact is in most cases unconformable. Generally, the basal till can be classified as a subglacial traction till (Evans et al. 2006). The chronostratigraphic age of the unit is correlated with MIS 6 (van Husen 2000a). Such an assumption is backed by findings at Mondsee (van Husen 2000c; see Mondsee Deltakomplex) where in a continuous sequence Riss basal till is superimposed by Riss/Wrm interglacial lake deposits (Drescher-Schneider 2000), correlated with the Eemian; MIS 5e). Hochterrasse The term meaning high terrace in English was introduced by Penck during geological mapping in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland (Geologische Karte Ingolstadt). The type area was first around Ingolstadt and later in the Iller-Lech-Platte. Originally the name was connected with the large terrace on the valley flanks that follows the modern river course. Later it was considered to be the melt water accumulation of the penultimate glacial cycle (Penck & Brckner 1909). In the area of the Vienna Basin (surrounding the city of Vienna, Fig. 6) the Terrasse westlich Seyring (Grill 1951), the Gnserndorfer Terrasse (Fink 1954), the Theresianumterrasse (Kpper 1968), the Stadtterrasse, and the Simmeringer Terrasse (Schaffer 1902) are synonyms. The terrace deposits consist of coarse, sand-bearing gravel with weak bedding. Gravel composition displays the lithology of the catchment area of the respective rivers. Along the Danube material from the Alps in the south (e. g. limestone, dolomite, flysch, sandstones) is mixed with the gravel from the tributaries originating in the Bohemian
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Massif. The thickness of the deposits varies between 20 and 50 m. The gravel deposits show only locally weak cementation. Well-developed weathering occurs on the top just below the loess cover. The onset of pipe-like weathering (Geologische Orgeln) can locally be recognized. The fluvial gravel deposits were mainly accumulated by braided rivers which were directly connected to the Ri terminal moraines of the Salzach glacier at Gilgenberg (Weinberger 1955; Fig. 5) and of the Traun glacier at Lenzing, Schrfling and Gschwandt (Egger 1996, Egger & van Husen 2007). Some remnants of the unit occur in non-glaciated valleys without terminal moraines. Extended units of Hochterrasse are present along the Danube and its southern tributaries (Krenmayr & Schnabel 2006, Schnabel et al. 2002). The Hochterrasse of the Inn valley at Gunderding has been dated by optically stimulated lumescence (OSL) providing deposition ages between ~200 and 140 ka (Megies 2006). Such a result is supported by an U/Th dating of a calcitic cement from the same gravel pit providing a minimum age of 113.4 4.4 ka (Terhorst, Frechen & Reitner 2003) of the deposit. The chronostratigraphic age is therefore correlated with MIS 6. torrener nagelfluh The first description of this Torren conglomerate is given by Pippan (1957) and Kieslinger (1964) for the type area in the Salzachtal around Golling (Fig. 5; K 1:50,000 sheet 94 Hallein). The type section is situated in a quarry at Torren (N 473550, E 130910) which is the name-giving village. The lithology of the unit is typified by partly well-cemented sand-bearing gravel. The deposit is dominated by carbonate pebbles from local sources which are mixed with crystalline clasts. Only a few layers show well-developed cementation, which were used for building stone (Kieslinger 1964). Layers with clay coating of the pebbles are poorly cemented. The lower sediment layers of the sequence show clinoforms with a dip of 30 to the North. The upper part shows horizontal layering with cross bedding. The uppermost part (c. 2 m) is in part intensively weathered. The sequence is probably formed as a delta complex with fore and top sets in a lake between stagnant ice and the slope (kame terrace). The outcropping part of the unit has a thickness of about 30 m. A conformable transition to lower situated bottom sets consisting of banded clay is assumed. The chronostratigraphic age assumes an origin during the initial phase of down-melting at the end of the Ri glaciation. Thus it is correlated with Termination II and with MIS 6 (van Husen 2000a). stadtterrasse Descriptions of the unit were given by several authors (Schaffer 1902; Fink & Majdan 1954; Kpper 1968; Fink 1973). The type area is in the center of the city of Vienna (see Fig. 7; old city around St. Stephens cathedral, today 1st district K 1:50,000 sheet 59 Wien). The name meaning city terrace is from the old city of Vienna. Simmeringer Terrasse (Schaffer 1902) and Theresianumterrasse (Kpper 1968) are synonymous.

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Lithologically the unit consists of coarse gravel deposits with sand and shows weak layering. The gravel is rounded to well-rounded and is composed of c. 80% crystalline rocks, c. 20% pebbles of limestone and flysch sandstone. The material was deposited by the Danube. Angular boulders of 1 m and more in diameter are mainly found in the lower part of the deposit (Kpper 1950). They were transported and deposited by ice floes during glacial climatic conditions. At the mouth of tributaries originating from the Vienna Woods thick layers of predominant subangular flysch material (Plattelschotter) interdigitate with the Danube terrace deposits (Kpper 1968, Fink 1973). The terrace is covered with loess and was mainly accumulated by braided rivers. The thickness amounts 10 to 15 m. It is supposed that the unit represents the Hochterrasse in the Vienna Basin south of the Danube. Thus the chronostratigraphic age is assumed to correlate as well with MIS 6. Gnserndorfer terrasse The first description of the Gnserndorf terrace was given by Fink & Majdan (1954). The type area is the Vienna Basin North of the river Danube (K 1:50,000 sheets 41 Deutsch Wagram, 42 Gnserndorf). The name originates from the city of Gnserndorf (location see Fig. 6). The terrace W of Seyring is synonymous. Lithologically the unit consists of coarse sand-bearing gravel that show weak layering as well as some cross-bedding. The gravel was deposited by the river Danube. It is made up of rounded to well-rounded clasts which consist of about 80% crystalline rocks and about 20% limestone and flysch-sandstone. The uppermost part of the unit is weathered and shows strong oxidation of iron (hydroxides). The upper 3 to 4 m of the unit was affected by ice wedges and intensive cryoturbation which included also soil and loess material. In part the terrace body is tectonically subsided at Aderklaa, Obersiebenbrunn, and Lassee (Fuchs & Grill 1984, Decker, Peresson & Hinsch 2005). The fluvial gravel is 10 to 15 m thick and was mainly accumulated by braided rivers. It is supposed that the unit represents the Hochterrasse in the Vienna Basin north of the Danube. Thus the chronostratigraphic age is assumed to correlate as well with MIS 6. Late Pleistocene units deltakomplex mondsee The first description of the Mondsee-Interglazial was given by Klaus (1975, 1987) and Kohl (2000). Detailed investigations were carried out during 19921996 (van Husen 2000b). The type area is the slope north of the village of Mondsee (Fig. 5) near the farmhouse Steiner (N 475156 E 132048 K 1:50,000 sheet 65 Mondsee). The type section is the Steinerbach (N 475154 E 132037) and three drillholes (N 475154, 55, 56 E 132038, 39, 40). The name denoting complex delta deposits of Mondsee in English originates from the village of Mondsee. Lithologically the unit superposes an older till (Ri). The sequence starts with laminated clay, silt and lake marls,
Fig. 12: Ri/Wrm - Interglacial (Eemian) lacustrine sediments (lake marl and banded clay) at Mondsee. White sheets mark different pollenzones. Abb. 12: Lakustrine Ablagerungen (Seekreide und Bnderschluff) aus dem Ri/Wrm - Interglazial (Eem).

which were deposited during the interglacial period (Eemian). This lower part is overlain by a coarsening upward sequence of clay, silt and sand layers (Krenmayr 2000). The whole package is covered by basal till (Late Wrm).The unit is rich in pollen which document the vegetation development from the late glacial period of the Ri (Termination II, MIS 6) to Middle Wrm (MIS 3) (Drescher-Schneider 2000). The pollen record is completed by many macro plant macro remains (Oeggl & Unterfrauner 2000). The preserved sequence evolved as a Gilbert type delta with bottom, fore, and top sets deposited in an ancient greater Lake Mondsee with a lake level of about 60 m above the presentday lake-level (van Husen 2000c). The deposits show a thickness of 1035 m. The chronostratigraphic age of the sequence is correlated with MIS 6 to 3. nieselach deposits The deposits are described by Fritz (1971), van Husen & Draxler (1982), van Husen (2000a). The type area is situated south of St. Stefan in the Gail valley (K 1:50,000 sheet 199 Hermagor, Fig 4). The village Nieselach is name-giving. The about 1.52 m thick lignite (Fig. 13) as a part of the sediment sequence was repeatedly the base of mining activities, Ucik (1973). The 68 m thick sequence consisting of horizontally bedded sandy, silty, occasionally gravelly sediments with lignite in the uppermost part conformably overlays banded clay (lake deposits after Ri deglaciation). The lignite is unconformably overlain by coarse gravel, which is regarded to represent Vorstoschotter i.e. proglacial fluvial sediments deposited during the glacier advance phase of the Late Wrm glaciation. The predominantly coarse sand layers with gravel and silt layers were deposited in a meandering river with a low-en379

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an interstadial phase an elevated valley floor with prograding alluvial fans and swampy intercone deposits existed. Pollenanalyses (by S. Bortenschlager and I. Draxler) together with an U/Th age of 908 ka (Reitner 2005) indicate that the peat was formed during the 1st Early Wrm Interstadial (MIS 5c). Thus the valley infill of the Kitzbheler Terrasse supposedly covers the timespan from end of the Ri glaciation (Termination II, MIS 6) to the Early Wrm. A quite similar situation with sediments of EarlyWrm age consisting of lignites intercalated in up to 100 m thick gravel beds are found in the area of Hopfgarten/Brixental (west of Kitzbhel, Fig. 4). The whole sequence is probably correlated with MIS 5d5a based on palynological evidence (Reitner 2005, Reitner & Draxler 2002). Wrm-morne (terminal moraine, basal till) and vorstosedimente (e.g. banded-clay deposit of baumkirchen The first description of Wrm-Morne in the sense of a terminal moraine was given by Penck & Brckner (1909). The type area is the Lake Starnberg (German: Starnberger See, former Lake Wrm/Wrm See) and its outlet the river Wrm located SE of Munich (Bavaria/Germany, Fig. 4). Reference area is the Austrian lake Traun See and its surrounding (located near the city of Gmunden, Fig. 5) (van Husen 1977). The name originates from the Lake Wrm and river Wrm. Deposits of the Wrm-Morne occur in all formerly glaciated valleys of the Eastern Alps. Prominent examples of Wrm-Morne are located in the surrounding of the Salzach Valley N of Salzburg and as well in the Drau valley east of Klagenfurt (see glacier extent in Figs. 4, 5) Lithologically the Wrm terminal moraine unit consists of in general massive diamicton (till), of coarse-grained sand-bearing gravel with boulders and an often varying content of silt and clay. Locally indications of weak bedding can be found. The clast composition of the gravel deposits reflects the lithology in the catchment area according to the resistance of the material against glacial abrasion. Only the remnants of basal till on the up-flow side of the terminal moraine are highly consolidated (Fig. 1). The till is normally slightly weathered to depths ranging between 0.5 and maximum 1 m. Genetically, the Wrm-Endmorne is a terminal moraine which was (predominantly) deposited as a dump moraine by a stationary glacier (Fig. 1). It marks the maximum ice extent during the last pleniglacial conditions in all valleys originating from formerly glaciated regions. Within these areas a patchy cover of Wrm basal till (German: Grundmorne) i.e. overconsolidated massive matrixsupported diamicton with occasional shear planes) on top of pre-Quaternary bedrock as well as on older Pleistocene sediments is present. The contact is in most cases unconformable. The thickness of the till varies from some meters to 40 m at drumlins. Generally, the basal till can be classified as a subglacial traction till (Evans et al. 2006). Wrm-Vorstosedimente is a term used for sediments which are coverd by Wrm basal till and whose facies indicates deposition in the proglacial area (sensu lato) of glaciers advancing to their maximum extent during the Wrm Pleniglacial. This includes sediments of different facies (flu-

Fig. 13: Outcrop at Nieselach showing the lignite overlain by the gravel of the Vorstoschotter. Abb. 13: Aufschluss bei Nieselach mit dem Lignit berlagert von Vorstoschotter.

ergy stream regime. Layers of massive or banded clay document sedimentation in oxbow lakes, which finally got filled with wood (willows and other bushes) and peat, the source material of the lignite. According to paleomagnetic data (presence of the Blake event within the sequence) a chronostratigraphic age of MIS 5e is given. However, a U/Th dating of the lignite (113,000 2000 BP; Geyh, Hennig & Oezen 1997) and the palynological record provide arguments for a correlation with the Eemian (MIS 5e) as well as with the 1st Wrm Interstadial (MIS 5c). Deposits with a quite similar pollen content are found in fine-grained lacustrine sediments at Freibachtal (SE of Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Fig. 4, Felber & van Husen 1976, Fritz 1992). Kitzbheler terrasse The unit Kitzbhel terrace was first described by Unger (1836) and mapped by Ohnesorge (1917). Its type locality is in the town of Kitzbhel (Tyrol, Fig. 4), which is namegiving. Drilhole data for a tunnel and outcrops show a 40 m thick sequence. It consists of a basal till (attributed to MIS 6) overlain by massive and banded silts with no pollen which show a coarsening-upward into sand-bearing gravel deposits (Reitner & Draxler 2002; Reitner 2005). The gravel is overlain by a laminated organic-bearing clayey silt deposit and a three meter thick lignite (a former peat). The latter unconformably underlies the upper basal till (Late Wrm, MIS 2). The coarsening-upward sequence is regarded to represent a phase of rapid sedimentation during or shortly after deglaciation. From the organic-bearing upper part of this and other locations with wood remnants or lignite within the extensive Kitzbhel terrace it is concluded that during
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vial, alluvial, glacio-fluvial, lacustrine and glaciolacustrine). Around the terminal moraines such sediments below basal till are typically gravel beds so called Vorstoschotter (Penck & Brckner 1909) of some meters thickness. Within the Alpine valleys up to 100 m thick sediment sequences of such coarse sand-bearing gravel are preserved (van Husen 2000a) (see Figs. 1 & 14). Prominent examples are found in the lower Inn valley (east of Innsbruck, especially around the village of Baumkirchen), the Drau valley near Spittal/Drau (Schotter von St. Peter in Holz; Schuster, Pestal & Reitner 2006) and in the Gail valley (Schnlaub 1989) (all locations in Fig. 4). Only under special circumstances also thick layers of banded clay occur (e.g. Baumkirchen, E of Innsbruck, Figs. 1, 4 & 15, Fliri et al. 1970, Fliri 1973). All these gravel beds as well as fine grained sediments are showing coarsening upwards sequences and mostly a transition into the overlaying Wrm basal till. The banded clay of Baumkirchen contains macro plant remains (branches of pine, alder, buckthorn) with 14C ages of 3127 ka BP and pollen indicating cold climatic conditions with a shrub tundra surrounding the former lake (Fliri 1973). A branch of Alnus from the deposit at

Podlanig (Gail valley, Fig. 1) with a 14C age of 28.3 0.7 ka (van Husen 1989) as well documents ice-free conditions and strong aggradation in the big valleys during that time. The Wrm-Morne is correlated with the Late Wrm (Chaline & Jerz, 1984) and thus with MIS 2, whereas the banded clay of Baumkirchen is correlated with the Middle Wrm (Chaline & Jerz, 1984) and with MIS 3. The onset of proglacial gravel on top of the banded clay at Baumkirchen marks the beginning of the Late Wrm (MIS 2) after Chaline & Jerz (1984). niederterrasse The term meaning low terrace in English was introduced by Penck during geological mapping in the Bavarian Alpine Foreland (eg. Geol. Karte Ingolstadt). The type area was first around Ingolstadt and later in the Iller-Lech-Platte. Originally the name was connected with the lowest of the extensive valley terraces following the modern river course (Fig. 2). Later it was considered to be the meltwater accumulation of the last glacial cycle (Penck & Brckner 1909).

Fig. 14: Vorstoschotter (gravelly facies of Vorstosedimente) representing proglacial sediments overlain by Wrm basal till (gravel pit near Baumkirchen). Note the poor sorting and the large boulders in the gravel. Abb. 14: Vorstoschotter (kiesige Fazies der Vorstosedimente), ein typisches Sediment aus dem Gletschervorfeld, berlagert von WrmGrundmorne (basal till) (Schottergrube bei Baumkirchen). Die schlechte Sortierung und die Gre der Gerlle im Schotter sind auffallend.

Fig. 15: Outcrop at the abandoned clay pit at Baumkirchen with typical banded clay. Abb. 15: Aufschluss in der aufgelassenen Tongrube von Baumkirchen mit dem typischen Bnderton bzw. Bnderschluff.

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The terrace deposits consist of coarse, sand-bearing gravel with weak bedding. Gravel composition displays the lithology of the catchment area of the respective rivers. Along the Danube material from the Alps in the South (e. g. limestone, dolomite, flysch, sandstones) is mixed with the gravel from the tributaries originating in the Bohemian Massif. The gravel is usually not cemented and the weathering horizon on top of the sequence is relatively thin. A cover of loessic sediments occurs only at the rim to adjacentolder terraces due to re-deposition. The thickness of the terrace deposits varies between 20100 m. The gravel deposits are unconformable underlain by pre-Quaternary bedrock. The gravel of the Niederterrasse derive from fluviale accumulation by braided rivers and are widerspread in more or less all glaciated and non glaciated valleys. Based on the model of the Glaziale Serie (Fig. 1) the Niederterrasse is directly connected with Wrm-Mornen (terminal moraines) in more or less all the valleys in the Eastern Alps which were affected by former glaciers (s. Figs. 4 & 5), as for example: the Salzach glacier (Weinberger 1955) and Traun glacier (Egger 1996; Egger & van Husen 2007). Many extensive remnants occur along the Danube and its southern tributaries as well as in the South along the rivers Mur and Drau and their tributaries (Krenmayr & Schnabel et al. 2006; Schnabel et al. 2003). Due to climate controlled congelifraction the Niederterrasse are also developed in non-glaciated areas. Evidence for deposition in a non-glaciated area is found at Neurath (Stainzbach / SW of Graz) where a gyttja interbedded in gravel beds providing 14C ages of 19,720 390 ka BP and 21,270 230 ka BP marks the end of sedimentation under periglacial conditions (Draxler & van Husen 1991). Based on the outlined processes the deposits of the Niederterrasse are correlated with MIS 2 and 3 and thus to Middle and Late Wrm. tullner Feld The name of the unit is derived from the city of Tulln and the unit was first described by Piffl (1971). The type area lies between Krems in the West and Greifenstein in the East on the K 1:50,000 sheets 38 Krems an der Donau, 39 Tulln, 40 Stockerau (Fig. 6). Lithologically, the Tullner Feld deposits consist of sandbearing coarse gravel. The material is predominantly rounded and well-rounded. It was deposited by the river Danube. In particular a high content of crystalline rocks mixed with limestone, dolomite and sandstone is observed at the debouchment of tributaries in the southern part of the distributional area. The gravel deposits are horizontally layered with cross bedding. Wide-spread layers of sand occur particularly north of the Danube. Weathering is restricted to about the uppermost 50 cm. Gravel deposits south of the Danube display permafrost features like cryoturbation and ice wedges. Large and usually angular boulders of 1 m and more in diameter occur frequently at the base of the gravel deposits near the underlying bedrock . The thickness of the terrace deposits varies between 1020 m. An unconformity at the base of the gravel deposits marks the transition to the Neogene deposits of the Molasse Basin. Sedimentological charateristics of braided river type,
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permafrost structures, and poor weathering in the area south of the Danube point to accumulation of the deposits during glacial conditions (Piffl 1971). On the contrary, the gravel deposits in the area north of the Danube show sediment structures typical for meandering rivers as a result of complete re-working of the glacial terrace by the river Danube. Such process took place without lowering of the surface and basal erosion level compared to that of the glacial terrace in the sense of the Niederterrasse. This re-working without incision by the river Danube resulted from the large debris load supplied from the tributaries while they eroded their local Niederterrassen deposits (van Husen 2000a). The chronostratigraphic age of the sediments in the Tullner Feld is correlated with the Late Wrm (MIS 2) for the area south of the Danube and with the Early Holocene for the area north of the Danube. The latter is supported by 14 C dates of about 99.7 ka BP which are obtained from tree trunks of oak, elm, poplar, and willow. Prater terrasse The terrace was first discussed by Schaffer (1902), Fink & Majdan (1954), Kpper (1968) and Fink (1973). The type area of the Prater Terrasse (terrace) is the SE part of the island between Danube and Danube canal in the 2nd district of Vienna (Fig. 7; K 1:50,000 sheet 59 Wien). The name is derived from an extensive and well-know recreation area in Vienna characterized by meadows and forest. The thickness of the gravel deposits amounts some 10 m and the sediments are unconformable underlain by Neogene deposits of the Vienna Basin. The deposits of the Prater Terrasse consist of coarse gravel and sand with predominantly rounded and well-rounded components transported by the river Danube. A high content of crystalline rocks mixed with limestone, dolomite and sandstone is observed particularly around the mouths of tributaries. In the Marchfeld north of the Danube the gravel shows horizontal layering and cross bedding while intercalated wide-spread layers of sand occur frequently. At some locations north of the Danube permafrost features like cryoturbations and ice wedges were described (Fink & Majdan 1954). The about uppermost 50 cm of the deposits are affected by weathering. At the base and partly also within the gravel deposits near the bedrock large and mostly angular boulders of 1 m and more in diameter occur frequently (Kpper 1950). These were transported and deposited by ice floes under glacial conditions. According to braided river sediment structures and permafrost features as well as poor weathering the Prater Terrasse in the northern part of the Marchfeld north of the Danube was considered to represent glacial conditions (Fink & Majdan 1954, Kpper 1968, Fink 1973). In contrast the gravel deposits of the Danube south of this area are partly characterized by sediment structures of meandering rivers. The Danube has only reworked the material of the glacial terrace without lowering the elevation of the surface by erosion. This was due to the debris load the Danube had to carry from the tributaries, eroding their Niederterrassen (van Husen 2000a). Thus the northern parts of the Prater Terrasse are correlated with the Late Wrm (Chaline & Jerz, 1984)

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and with MIS 2. Reworked terrace sediments are considered to be Early Holocene. Tree trunks (oak, elm, poplar, willow) especially in the Marchfeld north of the Danube were dated at about 85007000 14C years BP (Fink 1973). Leibnitzer Feld, Grazer Feld The names were introduced by Penck & Brckner (1909) as local expressions of the Niederterrasse. Descriptions were published by Winkler-Hermaden (1955) and Fink (1961). The type area is the Mur valley south of the city of Graz (K 1:50,000 sheet 190 Leibnitz). The names are derived from the cities of Graz and Leibnitz (Fig. 4). The gravel deposits of the river Mur consists of coarse material mixed with sandy and contain boulders. The sediment shows intensive cross bedding. The thickness is about 15 m. The deposits are unconformably underlain by Neogene sediments. The gravel was deposited by braided rivers presumably during the Late Wrm (MIS 2). Long sections mitterndorfer senke, steinfeldschotter The first description was given by Sue (1862), Stiny (1932), and Kpper (1950). The type area is in the southern part of the Vienna Basin (location see Fig. 6; K 1:50,000 sheets 59 Wien, 60 Bruck a.d. Leitha, 76 Wiener Neustadt, 105 Neunkirchen, 106 Aspang). The name of the Mitterndorf basin is derrived from the village Mitterndorf whereas that of the Steinfeld gravel originates from a field name SW of Wiener Neustadt. The Wllersdorfer Schotterflche (Brix 1988) is a synonym. The Mitterndorf Basin was filled by two alluvial fans, the Piesting River fan in the north [former Wllersdorfer Schotterfcher] and the Schwarza River Fan [former Neunkirchner Schotterfcher] in the south. Both alluvial fans show a characteristic alluvial fan cyclic sequence development of up to about 2 m thick fine clastic sequences which are alternating with massive, fine to coarse gravel (Salcher & Wagreich 2010). The uppermost coarse gravel unit of the whole sequence is called Steinfeldschotter. The thickness of the whole sequence is up to 170 m consisting of different units with thicknesses reaching up to ~35 m. It unconformably overlays Neogene sediments of the Vienna Basin. The fine clastic facies assemblage is recognized in the lithology of a drillhole as brown to red brown loam or sandy loam with a varying gravel content. These loamy sequences are laterally extensive and can be correlated between wells across an area larger than 100 km. Such correlations allow the evidence of vertical tectonic movements. Massive, coarse sediments of alluvial fans are sheet flow dominated (bed load sheets). Close to the mountain front they are debris flow dominated. Coarse sediment deposition on the fan surface is supposed to occur during rather cold periods where intenisified periglacial influence leads to an increased sediment supply (Salcher & Wagreich 2010). Analogues from outcrops and a scientific cored drillhole (scientific THER-1) suggest that the loamy sequences represent overbank fines in most cases. Such fine clastic deposits are rich in terrestrial mol-

luscs faunas and point to climatically rather warm periods. (Kpper 1950, Salcher & Wagreich 2010). Preliminary results from mollusc assemblages of cored overbank fines from the bottom of the basin confirm a Middle to Late Pleistocene age of the sediments in the Mitterndorf Basin (Kpper 1950, Decker, Peresson & Hinsch 2005, Salcher & Wagreich 2010). Based on the characteristics of the sequence and luminescence dating results the infill of this tectonically formed Mitterndorf Basin may have started around MIS 7 (Salcher, personal communication). The youngest coarse gravel unit, the Steinfeldschotter is correlated with the Late Wrm and with MIS 2. Krems schiesttte The descriptions were given by Penck (1903), Hoernes (1903), Gtzinger (1936) (Kremser Verlehmungszone), and Fink & Piffl (1976 a) for the type area at the eastern slope of Wachtberg North of the city of Krems (location see Fig. 6; K 1:50,000 sheet 38 Krems a.d. Donau). The type section is situated in the local rifle range (German: Schiesttte). Lithologically it is a 40 m thick loess profile with a sequence of paleosols. Molluscs of warm and cold periods (Loek 1976) and remnants of tiny mammals (Rabeder 1976) were found. The deposit was formed in a lee position interrupted by weathering horizons (paleosols). According to paleomagnetic investigation (Koci & Kukla 1976) of the section started to develop at the end of the Olduvai event and was continuing through the Brunhes chron (Fink & Kukla 1977). stranzendorf This section was described by Fink & Piffl (1976 b) and Frank & Rabeder (1997 a). The type area is in the southern part of Weinviertel (K 1:50,000 sheet 40 Stockerau). The type section is east of the village of Stranzendorf (location see Fig. 6; N 482710 E 160520). Lithologically the 40 m thick profile consists of gravel deposited by the Danube with a strong influence of a tributary from the South (Fink & Piffl 1976b, Frank & Rabeder 1997a). The section is overlain by a loess sequence with paleosols (Fink & Piffl 1976, Rabeder & Verginis 1997). A fauna rich in molluscs (Frank & Rabeder 1997a) and vertebrate (Nagel & Rabeder 1991, 1997) was found. According to the fossils the loess sequence was generally deposited under warmer conditions then during the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Changes from cooler and dryer periods (loess sedimentation) to humid and warmer periods with weathering (forest paleosols) occurred frequently (Frank & Rabeder 1997a). The chronostratigraphic age is correlated with Gelasian and the earliest part of the Early Pleistocene after Frank & Rabeder (1997 a). Hundsheim-Pfaffenberg-deutsch Altenberg Descriptions are given by Toula (1902), Freudenberg (1914), and Ehrenberg (1929). Since 1971 this site hs been intensively investigated by the Institute of Paleontology (University of Vienna). The type area are the Hainburger
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Berge around Pfaffenberg (location see Fig. 6; K 1:50,000, sheet 61 Hainburg) with type section in the quarry Hollitzer (Deutsch Altenburg) N 480815, E 165500 and in the Hundsheimer Spalte N 480824, E 165605. Lithologically the unit consists of cave sediments like talus cemented by sinter, fluvial sand, loess, and transported soil material. A comprehensive and detailed description of the fossils is given by Frank & Rabeder (1997 b, c). The karst caves originating in Triassic carbonates were filled with different sediments due to changing sedimentation conditions over a long timespan. At least 50 spots were described (Frank & Rabeder 1997 b, c). The chronostratigraphic age is assumed according biostratigraphic data (Frank & Rabeder 1997 b, c) to range from Middle Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene. discussion and Conclusions The stratigraphic framework for the Quaternary of Austria (Fig. 3) summarizes our current knowledge on climatically controlled sedimentation as well as on tectonic processes like uplift or subsidendence. It provides guidelines especially for the classification of terraces of the Alpine foreland which are connected via the Glaziale Serie (Penck & Brckner, 1909) to the glacial sediments of the four well documented glaciations of Middle to Late Pleistocene age. Based on facies, weathering and position along the valleys the stratigraphic positions of separated terrace units can be established. However, such a correlation within the sedimentary inventory of Austria as well as with global archives is very difficult for the isolated and rarely found remnants of Early Pleistocene deposits. The only exception are sediments at Stranzendorf, one of the rare European sites where the Quaternary/Neogene boundary has been pinned down by paleomagnetic evidence. The correlation of lithological units related to the last glaciation (Late Wrm) is possible based on well developed facies schemes and on glaciological considerations. However, such an approach has its limitations for sediments below the basal till of the last glaciation. An indisputable stratigraphic correlation of e.g. the Vorstosedimente/Vorstoschotter is only possible if a continuous sequence including the transition to the basal till is evident like at the type section at Baumkirchen (Chaline & Jerz, 1984) or at similar locations. In the absence of absolute age dates one can never exclude the possibility that an unconformable contact represents a major hiatus and that the sediments above and below are of completely different age. Thus, the examples from both the foreland and the Alpine area illustrate that reliable physical datings by e.g. radiometric methods, luminescence, cosmogenic isotopes or paleomagnetics are strongly needed for deposits older than the last glacial climax and especially for Middle- to Early Pleistocene units to back up stratigraphic correlations. From the formal stratigraphic point of view the Austrian record of Quaternary sedimentary units resembles a compound stratigraphy including aspects of lithostratigraphy (lithic characteristics) as well as of allostratigraphy (discontinuities/unconformities) for the definition of differ-

ent units. However, a strict formalization of the terminology as outlined in the North American Stratigraphic Code (NACSN 2005) or by Salvador (1994) only seems to be an exercise in stratigraphy without any added value (compare Piller, van Husen & Schnabel, 2003). Thus at present we do not follow efforts of standardisation which elsewhere result in a plethora of lithostratigraphic subdivisions (e.g., British Isles; Bowen 1999a), which are partly not amenable to systematic and widespread mapping away from their stratotypes (Bowen 1999b). A stratigraphy of lithological units which is not applied in geological practise especially in maps is of limited value. In this context it has to be emphasized, that for example the youngest phase of the Quaternary (Wrm Lateglacial to Holocene) is documented in geological maps not by stratigraphic units but mostly by lithogenetic unit. In the sense of GeoSciML (Concept Definition Task Group of IUGS CGI Interoperability Working Group 2008, Schiegel et al. 2008) these units such as alluvial fan or ice-marginal deposits are defined by their depositional origin as manifested by material properties. However, there is evidently a need for a critical assessment of the nomenclature especially for units of the Early Pleistocene which are not well described and defined (e.g. Arbesthaler Hgelland, Amstettner Bergland, Rauchenwarter Platte etc.). In the absence of a regional alternative the MIS stratigraphy serves as a chronostratigraphic frame for correlations with climatic events especially for the EarlyMiddle Pleistocene. The high resolution record of Greenland ice cores has been applied as a standard for geological time only for some well constrained Late Wrm especially Lateglacial sediments (e.g. Boch et al., 2005) and speleothems (e.g., Sptl & Mangini, 2002). The fragmentary sedimentary record in Austria as well as in the northernalpine foreland, the occurrence of hiatuses and the missing of long records do not promote the development of a regional chronostratigraphy. Long loess sequences like at Stranzendorf and Krems Schiesttte would be candidates for standards, although they also include periods of nondeposition or erosion. The problem of cross-facies correlations and the need for reliable age dates remain within the terrestrial system. Finally the current knowledge on Quaternary stratigraphy relies on the results of field work covering at most 60 % of the country mapped by modern standards. Hence, further improvements in stratigraphy can be expected from progress in geological mapping as well as from drillholes. New findings, modern re-investigations of type sections and areas as well as better geochronological constraints from modern dating techniques with reference to mapping results, are expected to improve this compound stratigraphy. Acknowledgements We are indebted to Helene Pfalz-Schwingenschlgl for the drawings. The suggestions by Wim Westerhoff and an anonymous reviewer are gratefully acknowledged. We appreciate the careful improvements of some parts of the English text by Sebastian Pfleiderer, Johanna Lomax and Dido Massimo.

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trEAsurEr / sCHAtZmEistEr DR. JRG ElbRACHT landesamt fr bergbau, Energie und Geologie Stilleweg 2 D-30655 Hannover, Germany Tel.:+49 (0)511-643-36 13 E-Mail: joerg.elbracht (at) lbeg.niedersachsen.de PrEsidEnt / PrsidEntin PROF. DR. MARGOT bSE Freie Universitt berlin Malteserstr. 74100 D-12249 berlin, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)30-838-70 37 3 E-Mail: m.boese (at) fu-berlin.de viCE PrEsidEnts / viZEPrsidEntEn UniV.-PROF. MAG. DR. CHRiSTOPH SPTl institut fr Geologie und Palontologie Universitt innsbruck innrain 52 A-6020 innsbruck, sterreich Tel.: +43 (0)512-507-5593 Fax: +43 (0)512-507-2914 E-Mail: christoph.spoetl (at) uibk.ac.at PROF. DR. lUDWiG zllER Fakultt ii lehrstuhl fr Geomorphologie Universitt bayreuth Universittsstrasse 30 D-95440 bayreuth, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)921-55 2266 Fax: +49 (0)921-55 2314 E-Mail: ludwig.zoeller (at) uni-bayreuth.de Editor-in-CHiEF / sCHriFtLEitunG (E&G) PD DR. HOlGER FREUnD iCbM Geoecology Carl-von-Ossietzky Universitaet Oldenburg Schleusenstr 1 D-26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)4421-94 42 00 E-Mail: holger.freund (at) uni-oldenburg.de ArCHivist / ArCHivAr DR. STEFAn WAnSA landesamt fr Geologie und bergwesen Sachsen-Anhalt Postfach 156 D- 06035 Halle, Germany Tel. +49 (0)345-5212-12 7 E-Mail: wansa (at) lagb.mw.sachsen-anhalt.de Advisory boArd / bEirAt DR. CHRiSTiAn HOSElMAnn Hessisches landesamt fr Umwelt und Geologie Postfach 3209 D-65022 Wiesbaden, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)611-69 39 92 8 E-Mail: christian.hoselmann (at) hlug.hessen.de

DR. DAniElA SAUER institut fr bodenkunde und Standortslehre Universitt Hohenheim Emil-Wolff-Str. 27 D-70593 Stuttgart, Germany Tel.: +49 (0)711-459-22 93 5 E-Mail: d-sauer (at) uni-hohenheim.de PROF. DR. FRAnk PREUSSER Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology Stockholm University 10961 Stockholm, Sweden Tel. +46 8 674 7590 E-Mail: frank.preusser@natgeo.su.se PROF. DR. REinHARD lAMPE institut fr Geographie und Geologie Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universitt Greifwald Friedrich-ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 16 D-17487 Greifswald, Germany Tel: +49 (0)3834-86-45 21 E-Mail: lampe (at) uni-greifswald.de PROF. DR. biRGiT TERHORST Geographisches institut Universitt Wrzburg Am Hubland D-97074 Wrzburg, Germany Deutschland Tel. +49 (0)931-88 85 58 5 E-Mail: birgit.terhorst (at) uni-wuerzburg.de

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E&G
Contents
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.00

Quaternary Science Journal


Volume 60 / number 23 / 2011 / issn 0424-7116 / DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3 www.quaternary-science.net

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Foreword Margot Bse


DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.01

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depositional architecture and palaeogeographic significance of middle Pleistocene glaciolacustrine ice marginal deposits in northwestern Germany: a synoptic overview Jutta Winsemann, Christian Brandes, Ulrich Polom, Christian Weber
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.02

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Chronology of Weichselian main ice marginal positions in north-eastern Germany Christopher Lthgens, Margot Bse
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.03

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deglaciation of a large piedmont lobe glacier in comparison with a small mountain glacier new insight from surface exposure dating. two studies from sE Germany Anne U. Reuther, Markus Fiebig, Susan Ivy-Ochs, Peter W. Kubik, Jrgen M. Reitner, Hermann Jerz, Klaus Heine
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.04

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Casting new light on the chronology of the loess/paleosol sequences in Lower Austria Birgit Terhorst, Christine Thiel, Robert Peticzka, Tobias Sprafke, Manfred Frechen, Florian A. Fladerer, Reinhard Roetzel, Christine Neugebauer-Maresch
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.05

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Editoral Markus Fiebig


DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.06

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Quaternary glaciation history of northern switzerland Frank Preusser, Hans Rudolf Graf, Oskar Keller, Edgar Krayss, Christian Schlchter
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.07

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the Quaternary of the southwest German Alpine Foreland (bodensee-oberschwaben, badenWrttemberg, southwest Germany) Dietrich Ellwanger, Ulrike Wielandt-Schuster, Matthias Franz, Theo Simon
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.08

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Quaternary stratigraphy of southern bavaria Gerhard Doppler, Ernst Kroemer, Konrad Rgner, Johannes Wallner, Hermann Jerz, Walter Grottenthaler
DOi 10.3285/eg.60.2-3.09

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An outline of the Quaternary stratigraphy of Austria Dirk van Husen, Jrgen M. Reitner

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